Media Statement Karpal Singh in Kuala Lumpur on Wednesday, 9^th April 2008: 

Turning Malaysia into an Islamic state - a fundamental issue 

Ketua Menteri Besar, Azizan Abduk Razak, should not emulate the proverbial ostrich which buries its head in the sand, oblivious to what is happening around it. He has called upon me to keep quiet at PAS’s intention to turn Malaysian into an Islamic state. He says,

‘I think it is best if he keeps quiet on the matter. There many other issues and bigger ones to talk about.’

What can be bigger than the fundamental issue, namely, PAS’s intention in turning Malaysian into an Islamic state? This is an issue of utmost public importance since Malaysia is a secular state with Islam as its official religion with the Constitutional guarantee that other religions can be practised in peace and harmony. This issue, cannot be, and should not be, swept under the carpet. If PAS’s efforts to turn Malaysia into an Islamic state becomes a reality, that would mean hudud laws would be extended to non-Muslims.

PAS must accept that Malaysia is a secular state with a multi-religious population. PAS should not ignore the decision of the strong 5-man bench of the Supreme Court on 29th February, 1988 that Malaysia was a secular state. Neither, should PAS ignore Constitutional provisions that Malaysia is a secular state. PAS should not treat the Federal Constitution and the Supreme Court ruling with contempt.

PAS should accept the public pronouncements by Tunku Abdul Rahman and Tun Hussein Onn that Malaysia is a secular state.

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* Karpal Singh, DAP National Chairman & MP for Bukit Gelugor