Different strokes for different folks — Tay Tian Yan
MAY 14 — Ah Hua: Hudud law again? Doesn’t PAS have other issues to be discussed? Why does it always talk about hudud law?
Umar: I’m confused, too. The Pakatan Rakyat said earlier that they have achieved a common consensus to not talk about an Islamic state and hudud law, but only welfare state. But they have been changing their stands and contradicting themselves.
Prof U: It’s not only a self-contradictory this time. It was reported that PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang said if the Pakatan Rakyat wins the general election, the opposition will amend the Federal Constitution to make Islam not only the official religion but also upgrade it to Addin (way of life).
Ah Hua: What’s Addin?
Pro U: I’m not a religious expert. According to my general understanding, however, Addin refers to the implementation of the formal Islamic way of life. In other words, the teachings of Islam must be observed in different aspects of life.
Azman: For Muslims, Addin is very important. Muslims should live a halal life and the request is actually a matter of fact.
Umar: Of course, we respect Islam. However, if the Federal Constitution is amended and the implementation of religious doctrine is extended to the whole people, it might affect non-Muslims.
Ah Hua: PAS wishes to win the support of non-Muslims but it has always been acting on its own. It always makes the Chinese uncertain about the party; they do not know whether to support it or not.
Prof U: Ah Hua, even some Muslims are confused. Take hudud law as an example. It is correct in terms of principles, but many Muslims are worried about its applicability in the modern society, particularly the multi-racial society of Malaysia.
Azman: From the Muslim point of view, I must support it as it has a high justness. It can also effectively curb many social problems. Moreover, it is implemented only on Muslims, and will not affect non-Muslims.
Umar: Azman, it seems like it is going to involve only Muslims, but once it is implemented, it will affect the society as a whole. It will also change the existing judicial system. For example, when a Muslim and non-Muslim committed the same crime, the consequences will be different since they are tried under different legal systems. It is indeed contradictory.
Prof U: Umar is right. Two systems in a country will further split the country, and the existing consensus will also be deteriorated.
Ah Hua: In fact, religious issues should not intensify the confrontation. Everyone has their own views and we must take others’ views tolerantly. Just like today, we are having a very rational discussion and no one is trying to overwhelm others.
Prof U: People of a country can have different kinds of life. We should never compare whose style of living is more correct and noble, as long as all of us are civilised and law-abiding. — mysinchew.com
* This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insider.
