Hadi: New law proves Malaysia a regressing Muslim state

Harakahdaily

Nov 30: The widely condemned Peaceful Assembly Bill was passed by Barisan Nasional members of parliament in spite of protests from opposition MPs and civil society activists. In his reaction, PAS president Tuan Guru Abdul Hadi Awang (pic) slammed the BN government for failing to set a good example on Islamic justice to multi-racial Malaysians. “Instead, they showed that Malaysia was a regressing Muslim country in terms of democracy. "Why can’t the Muslims, who rule the country, and UMNO as the backbone of the government, set a good example in this plural society?” lamented Hadi at the parliament lobby. The Marang MP earlier joined all Pakatan Rakyat MPs to stage a walk out from parliament in protest of the BN’s insistence to pass the bill as an act, which was eventually formalised hours later. With the passing of the bill, Hadi said the BN government had abandoned the Islamic concept of consultation before making any decision affecting the people. “In Islam, even armed rebellions had to be properly dealt with. According to Islam, the government must first listen to the people,” Hadi added, adding that BN should not abuse its power of majority by introducing unjust acts. Hadi opined that the new law would create more provocation as it would be used as a preventive tool by the government to suppress dissent on any issue.