HUDUD LAW: UNSUITABLE OR POLITICAL AGENDA?

Is Hudud Law that bad? Or is it because of General Elections is around the corner, that is why the issue become so controversial and significance. In this issue, we can divide related stakeholders into three components. The first component will be non-Muslim. Basically, non Muslims are the one that not affected by the implementation of Hudud Law. This is because non Muslims are not tied down with Syariah Law. Just like the same case when a Muslim commits adultery with another non Muslim. Only the Muslim will be charged in Syariah Court while the non Muslim will be freed (considering both are not married). So, Hudud Law will be a no difference for non Muslim communities. The second component is the Muslim community that is going for Hudud Law. Without needing to explain further, this group has no problem with the implementation of Hudud Law. The third component is Muslim community who goes against the implementation of Hudud Law in Malaysia. For this group, actually, there is no way other than to accept it. It is true that even the Muslim communities itself, some of them are liberals; some of them are followers of freedom of religion; some of them are free thinkers. Anyhow, the Syariah Law states very clearly that Muslim community in Malaysia must obey Islamic practice and Syariah Law. Just like the same as Muslims must observe fasting during Ramadhan period. If they refuse to do so, they can be charged under Syariah jurisdiction. So, they have no say when it comes to Islamic Law especially when it is stated clearly in Quran.

Anyhow, the main contention of debate should be of this third group. However, the current political scenario has shifted the attention to the first group, which is the furthest link of Hudud Law. In this case, BN is definitely on the upper hand since all the component parties are going against it. But for PR, contradiction stance between DAP and PAS on the issue has put them in a critical position. The issue is parallel the issue of teaching of Mathematics and Science in English. Political merits put ahead of education welfare. So, the politicians should be more mature in debating the issue and weight the pros and cons of the implementation. Debate should focus merely on the suitability of Hudud Law implementation and not be influenced by political merits.