Yesterday, Islamic Institute of Understanding Malaysia (Ikim) and the Syariah Judiciary Department Malaysia (JKSM) proposed that non-Muslims committing khalwat with Muslims should also be sentenced accordingly, but in the civil courts. They also proposed to setup "Syariah Bench" in the civil courts to handle cases involved people of different religions. These were among the proposals made at the two-day seminar organized by them.Syariah Law Not For Non-Muslims
According to the Federal Constitutions Article 121(A), Syariah Court's jurisdiction is restricted to Muslims only. Syariah Law should not be applicable to non-Muslims as non-Muslims are subject to civil laws. Even though Khalwat is widely recognised as immoral act by many religions and societies, nonetheless, it is not a civil offence under the civil law in Malaysia. If this proposal is to be accepted, what'd be coming next? This is an implied way of imposing Syariah Law on non-Muslims.Malaysia : Secular State, Multi-Racial, Multi-Religion
Even though there were various versions of claims on whether Malaysia is an Islamic State within Barisan Nasional (UMNO said Yes, MCA said No), component parties in Pakatan Rakyat (especially DAP) had many times proclaimed that Malaysia is a Secular State with Islam as the official religion but not an Islamic State.We are a multi-racial and multi-religion country. We should respect each other ways of living and faith. No one should impose their own Religion Laws on the others who are not of the same religion and do not believe in the same faith.
