Wanita MCA opposes proposed anti-spread law

PETALING JAYA: Wanita MCA opposed the proposed anti-spread law and any attempt to restrict the religious freedom of non-Muslims, damage social contracts and violate the Federal Constitution.

“Malaysia is a multiracial country and the Federal Constitution clearly provides for freedom of religion for all,” said Wanita MCA chief Datuk Heng Seai Kie.

She said the MCA “strongly criticizes” the recent announcement by Deputy Minister of the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Ahmad Marzuk Shaary on the issue.

“We would also like to remind Ahmad Marzuk that he overstepped his power by attempting to interfere in non-Muslim affairs, which are the responsibility of the Unity Ministry.

“As a deputy minister, he should work for the welfare of all and not be limited to the party agenda and narrow-mindedness, which is clearly against the spirit of the family Malaysian, ”Heng said at the launch of an All-State Wanita MCA Day Celebration and Annual General Meeting, conducted virtually this year.

A total of 4,377 delegates from 11 states attended the AGM online.

Heng was commenting on a statement by Ahmad Marzuk, who earlier said the government planned to draft four new laws on syariah, including the bill to control the spread of non-Muslim religions.

She said Ahmad Marzuk’s remarks were at odds with the September 7 comments from Prime Minister’s Department (Parliament and Law) Datuk Seri, Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, who said the draft new laws on syariah had not been raised in Cabinet because matters involving religion were under state jurisdiction.

Heng also welcomed a September 9 High Court ruling, ruling that children born overseas to Malaysian mothers with foreign spouses would be granted citizenship.

“It is disappointing that the government has said it will appeal the decision. Wanita MCA will partner with other women’s organizations to fight this, ”she said.

Heng noted that more than 150 countries have granted equal rights to men and women by passing their citizenship on to their children.

“Malaysia is one of 25 countries that have not done so,” she said.

“This contradicts the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (Cedaw) which Malaysia signed in 1995, and violates Article 8 (2) of the Federal Constitution on Equal Rights. gender rights.

She said the court ruling was a decision consistent with Cedaw and the Federal Constitution.

“We hope the government and all parties will support this decision to prove Malaysia’s sincerity in implementing equal rights for men and women,” she added.

With Malaysia having been through a lot politically with “three changes of prime minister in three years,” Heng said it was high time for all political leaders to put aside their differences and work for the people.

“Let us unite to fight the Covid-19 pandemic and put the needs of the population first.

“We also call on all elected officials to go to the field and deliver with diligence and responsibility.

“Focus on each constituency and use the allocation from the federal government to serve and help solve people’s problems,” she said.

Wanita MCA, she said, also supported the House of Representatives’ recall bill to deter party hopping.