Who has been strengthened? Who has helped to strengthen?

China Press 3 June 2016

Non-Muslim MPs were caught by surprise with tabling of hudud bill last Thursday in Parliament. Another dramatic twist took place as the debate was deferred. It was like throwing a grenade but missed its target. There was no blood shed but the political circle was stunned. Later non-Muslim political parties started with series of claim to resign from government. MCA and DAP accused each other of incompetence.

The first press conference saw Liow carefully read out a joint statement with choice of words such as “unsatisfactory, sad and disappointed”. The words seem to be amplified to berate Umno. But reporters present at the press conference were rolling eyes in disgust on Liow’s act of playing “taichi” (shunning responsibility).

Pressmen used three different ways to ask about the response of Umno or Najib in Cabinet meeting. Liow continued to lead reporters beating around the bush without answering. Najib later in a press conference explained that this was a misunderstanding. Private member’s bill was not hudud law.

All are clear that there was no misunderstanding. Hence Liow and his gang proclaimed to resign the next day. Liow was serious and tense while Najib a relaxed man. We are more concerned whether Liow has privately complained to Najib. Otherwise the mass resignation appears to be vulnerability.

Obviously Umno and PAS working together this time is a political strategy holding religion and theocracy as their trump cards. It can also be seen as a cheap political stunt for the two by-elections. In fact Umno has been dominating. PAS benefits by chance.

PAS is not gaining all the advantage. Despite being able to fulfil its dream of an Islamic state winning over Muslim voters, Umno’s act of diverting focus on 1MDB scandals and aggravating the split between PAS and Pakatan Harapan would further consolidate its superior position in the two by-elections. No wonder Lim Kit Siang in his analysis, sees Najib as the winner and not Hadi.

Halt the procedure in parliament

MCA continues to place its focus on attacking DAP for “nurturing a tiger”. DAP has also challenged MCA to leave Barisan Nasional. These two parties are actually on the same boat. If not Umno giving the green light, how can PAS be having chance in parliament? Does the mutual accusation of MCA and DAP bring any significance?

To stop hudud bill in the October sitting in parliament, all steps are to be repeated. Hopefully MCA learns from the previous lesson, plays its role to halt the procedure instead of rejecting it after it has taken place in parliament.