Gerakan criticises Isma’s call to
turn Shariah law into supreme law
Cheah Soon Hai: Civil law is serving
us well
Press statement by
Gerakan Deputy President
Dato’ Dr. Cheah Soon Hai
23 January 2015
Gerakan Deputy
President, Dato’ Dr. Cheah Soon Hai criticised a call by Ikatan Muslimin
Malaysia’s President, Abdullah Zaik Abdul Rahman to turn Shariah law into the
supreme law of the country superseding the civil law. He said Gerakan notes
with deep concern and dismay the suggestion which clearly goes against the
Federal Constitution. He called for serious attention from the government to
instruct Attorney General’s Chambers to engage confused parties and stop the
misleading remarks.
“These remarks
were made apparently with no understanding or respect towards the legal system
under the Federal Constitution. The secular nature entrenched in the civil law
is serving us well. We are a multiracial and multi-religious nation whereby all
affairs have been conducting based on the common law system, there is no
credible basis for the call to topple the civil law in favour of Shariah law,”
said Cheah
Cheah reminded
that Federal Constitution as the supreme law of the land restricts Islamic
legislation to marriage, divorce and inheritance. He invited all parties to be
mindful and respect the Federal Constitution and legal system. He maintained
that it is hugely irresponsible to offer offhand and ill-considered opinion for
no valid reason.
“All parties
should show more consideration on possible ramifications as a result of their
words and actions. Let there be no mistake on this matter, civil law is not at
fault neither it is incomplete just because he disagrees with the court ruling,
he ought to show more respect and understanding,” said Cheah
