Hudud: MCA wants debate with Guan Eng

Tarani Palani | October 4, 2011

MCA is keen to know how DAP will stop PAS from its stated desire to implement the law.

KUALA LUMPUR: MCA vice president Gan Ping Sieu has challenged DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng to debate hudud now that Pakatan Rakyat has failed to reach a consensus on it.

“He can name the place and time, but he should not take too long to respond,” said Gan told reporters at the parliament lobby today.

Gan said that DAP has always portrayed itself to be a democratic, liberal and professional party.

However it needs to explain PAS’ insistence on implementing hudud, a stance at odds with DAP’s principles.

Gan also added that the MCA has always been accused of undermining and demonising PAS, but the latter’s stand on hudud shows that it still haboured aspirations for a theocratic state.

“It is serious matter. It is unfair to Muslims and also non-Muslims. This is an issue close to the hearts of the people, especially the Chinese community,” said Gan.

“During campaigns at by-elections, the DAP promotes PAS as moderate, inclusive and open- minded, but its stand on hudud shows that the party is back to its old ways,” he said.

‘Only Karpal has been vocal’

Asked why Lim was the candidate chosen, Gan said that Lim was constantly throwing challenges to others.

Gan said that he had already made the offer to debate the issue but since there was no reply from Lim, he said a registered letter via mail will be forwarded to him.

Gan also took a stab at the DAP leaders, most of whom he said have been silent over the matter.

“Only Karpal has been vocal in voicing his opinion against hudud,” he said.

He stressed that hudud was against the federal constitution and there cannot a dual system of criminal justice as it was “simply not practical”.

Lim who is also Penang Chief Minister, is currently abroad on an official visit to Japan.

After a very public locking of horns over the hudud issue among PAS, DAP and PKR, the opposition coalition closed ranks last week.

Its top brass announced that PAS needed a full consensus fron Pakatan allies to implement hudud.

(sumber: http://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/2011/10/04/hudud-mca-wants-debate-with-guan-eng/)