Referenda on Hudud

When it comes to parliamentary matters, our Constitution makes no mention of political parties. For example, it says that the Prime Minister is someone who commands the confidence of a majority of MPs, not one who leads the largest party. There is a reason for this. It is that Members of Parliament are supposed to represent their constituents, not their parties. Therefore MPs must always put their constituents first even if sometimes it is contrary to the wishes of their party.

The upcoming elections for Permatang Pauh and Rompin provide a unique opportunity for voters in these constituencies to exercise their democratic right in a way that could directly influence the future of our country.

PAS’s bill on Hudud is expected to be tabled in the next Parliamentary sitting. Muslims comprise a majority of MPs. However, PKR and DAP have both stated that they will not support the bill. With UMNO seemingly paralysed by fear and having no official policy on the matter, it is anybody’s guess what the outcome will be. So, it is not beyond the realm of possibility that the votes of the 2 newly elected MPs will prove decisive one way or the other.

With so much at stake, it is important that voters make an informed choice come polling day. They must have confidence that the person they choose to represent them will act according to their wishes.They should demand that candidates state their positions on Hudud unequivocally and reject any candidate who refuses to do so.