‘Political suicide’ for Abang Jo to back shariah changes

Analysts weigh in on what direction Sarawak politicians may take on the proposed changes to shariah law in Malaysia.

PETALING JAYA: It will be political suicide for the new Sarawak chief minister to support the controversial shariah amendments now before Parliament.

That’s how Universiti Malaysia Sarawak political analyst Jeniri Amir responded to a remark by PAS Sarawak that Abang Johari Openg may reverse the stand of his late boss.

The late Sarawak chief minister Adenan Satem had previously ordered all BN MPs in the state to vote against the shariah amendments.

PAS Sarawak told FMT yesterday that Abang Johari may not bind any BN Sarawak MP’s to vote against the proposed amendments to the shariah act. Its argument was that the new chief minister “is more attentive” towards Islamic issues.

“To make a U-turn from Adenan’s stance is going to be a political suicide,” Jeniri told FMT today, when contacted.

He added that it was unlikely anyway for a “U-turn” to take place, as Abang Johari fully understands the sentiments on the ground.

“I’m confident that he is going to abide by whatever decisions were made by Adenan because they have both been in politics for more than 39 years.

“Abang Johari was also close buddies with Adenan and he understands his aspirations.”

Jeniri said it was important for Abang Johari to prove himself in the initial weeks of his appointment, adding that “people will also assess Abang Johari on to which extent he continues the legacies and the unfinished tasks of Adenan”.

“He has to be seen as a firm leader. A person who does things that are in consonance of the aspirations of Sarawakians.”

PAS is seeking to amend the Shariah Courts (Criminal Jurisdiction) Act 1965, allowing for stiffer punishments for shariah offenders, a move widely seen as setting the stage to bring in hudud to Kelantan.

Meanwhile, Universiti Malaya political analyst Azman Awang Pawi said Sarawakians may be able to accept the proposed shariah amendments if there was an adequate explanation of it.

Azman said the shariah amendments were proposed because the Islamic law hasn’t been updated and upgraded for a long time. This was the same explanation given by the Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, he said.

“Nevertheless, this is a test for Abang Johari. Sarawakians may be able to accept the explanation that the shariah amendments isn’t hudud.

“But, if Sarawakians still doesn’t understand the proposed amendments, it may affect the people’s support towards BN Sarawak.”

At present, shariah punishment is capped at a three-year prison term, a fine up to RM5,000 and six strokes of the cane.

Hadi’s proposed amendments will see a maximum jail sentence of 30 years, up to a RM100,000 fine and 100 strokes of the cane. -FMT