"I don't know if that extraordinary man, the Kelantan menteri besar (Nik Aziz Nik Mat), is a Mutazilite or an Asharite......” - Dr Paul Tan Chee Ing, President of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Malaysia

Harakah Daily) - A top Catholic bishop has thrown his support for the implementation of the Islamic criminal laws stipulating deterrent punishment on serious crimes, or hudud, in Kelantan, provided non-Muslims were given "a cast-iron guarantee that it will not be implemented on us".

In comments on the issue sparked by former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad's challenge to Kelantan Menteri Besar Tuan Guru Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat, Dr Paul Tan Chee Ing, president of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Malaysia, said it was wise for non-Muslims not to oppose such laws among Muslims "if they so desire".

“I say it's time to allow Muslims in Kelantan, if they so desire, to implement shariah only for them and with that the hudud enactments provided non-Muslims are exempt from its implementation,” online news portal Malaysiakini quoted Dr Paul, also the titular head of Catholics in the Melaka-Johor diocese, as saying.

His comments come in the wake of a statement by Mahathir that Nik Aziz should implement hudud in Kelantan now that the former was no longer the prime minister who had once sent a letter warning the PAS-led state against any attempt to introduce the Islamic laws.

In response, Nik Aziz said a prime ministerial decree would not expire with Mahathir's resignation, and called on the current PM Najib Razak to revoke the Federal government's earlier stance on the issue.

'Extraordinary man'

Giving his views, Dr Paul said the issue had to do with the debate between two different Islamic schools of theology, the 'rationalists' or Mu'tazilites, and the 'traditionalists', or Ash'arites.

"I don't know if that extraordinary man, the Kelantan menteri besar (Nik Aziz Nik Mat), is a Mutazilite or an Asharite. Sometimes he sounds like a Mu'tazilite, sometimes like an Ash'arite," said Dr Paul, who added that such an ambiguity was "a good thing".

"It shows he is not dogmatic. I say let him and all who hold with him have their way so long as non-Muslims have iron-clad guarantees of their exemption. I am in favour of Kelantan Muslims having hudud implemented for them only," the portal quoted him.

Prior to this, Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim (left) said he was personally in favour of hudud laws being introduced in Kelantan as it would ensure justice.

Earlier, the issue, regarded as highly contentious and which in the past created rifts between DAP and PAS, has instead laid bare cracks between MCA and UMNO.

MCA president Chua Soi Lek said the Chinese-based party would leave the Barisan Nasional coalition if UMNO supported hudud laws. This was in response to UMNO deputy president Muhyiddin Yasin's cautioned comments on Kelantan's long-fought battle with the Federal government over hudud, saying he was obligated as a Muslim to support hudud but differed on the timing of its implementation.

Comments (34)...

written by Aries, September 25, 2011 07:19:19

If you Bishop Tan witnessed a muslim rapping .Do You know that You cannot be a witness in Hudud lawsystem. So Think. ...

written by reeperbahn, September 25, 2011 05:12:01

Paul Tan, you are no better than pope Benedict. you should decide for yourself but don't speak on behalf of others.

is it not funny that the Pope tells the african poor already ravaged by HIV not to use contraceptives?

a country should be run by capable government administrators and not by religious leaders, regardless of whatever religion. the bishop should be taking care of his sheep not dabbling in politics.

the opposition on the other hand is seem to be afflicted by the foot-in-the-mouth disease, God, never mind which, save us please! ...

written by Sam V Wellu, September 25, 2011 04:44:18

DEAR BISHOP PAUL TAN

So brave of you to take this stand , however I am sure you are aware that the Assunta Hospital , a former catholic hospital built on public donations for the poor and underpriviledged is now only for the rich, its a great shame that people like you have allowed greedy people to hijack a catholic hospital which opened its doors to the poor and underpriviledged has now said you must pay ...

written by Just wondering, September 25, 2011 03:12:49

Sorry, lah, please post this, am itching to just slam that Jim (not the Lord), yup Jim you know me from a couple of moons ago. You are so really fond of slamming other people's religion aren't you.
You're not even fit to wipe the foot of Bishop Paul, let alone, Pope Benedict. These people of my faith have said and done so many good things, your pea-brain can't even comprehend.

As for your reasoning, hello, you call that reasoning, I call that stupidity and yes, I will say it, you're are an idiot and I hope a fool...

written by Just wondering, September 25, 2011 02:34:27

Bishop Paul Tan, I understand you. And I know you, wise one. You lead by example and are the man of the cloth.
However humans being humans are sinful by nature. Don't really know whether hudud is implementable, even if the rights of non-Muslims are preserved. The irony of the fact is sin abounds in this day and age. Our conscience also include all, you know. For those who are on the straight and narrow, their views would be "so what?" but for those who have fallen off the pedestral big-time, it is very worrisome. If they already pengsan at the thought of jail-time, imagine what will happen if stricter laws are implemented.

It's an irony. Ironic issue really for those who have nothing on their conscience. They will say, "So what?"

Me, I don't think my brain can handle this complexity of an issue, though I am prone to having the thought of saying "So what?"

But the strong looks out for the weak. And so it should be. ...

written by butahudud, September 25, 2011 01:50:52

denying hudud to muslims is like denying pork and alcohol to non muslims. hudud is a muslim's civil right. In this bolehland why non muslim has to be bothered by the law that was supposed to be implemented only to muslims? Let them be. If the result is good, then let it be. If it doesn't, just kick PAS out in the next GE.

however, i believe once hudud is implemented, we won't be seeing a lot of hand chopping or large scale immigration, especially in kelantan. if there are migration, that's only the mobs, rapist, robbers etc. I pity those in other states coz they'll be in BIG TROUBLE afterwards. For those who fear hudud, you've been caught in umno's scare tactics. ...

written by robot, September 25, 2011 01:49:15

wow... guys,,,, go on with your chopping here chopping there.....

written by Mat bond, September 25, 2011 01:00:54

Gr8...

Anak razak n fatty, anwar, all mamaks in bn,...will hve their hands chop off

Anak tambi , rice, ...dick chop off

Taib...everthing chop off

. Mahakutty ....tongue, handle chop off
Better recruit more immigration officers.....to handle those outgoing and incoming muslim refugees....

Also because need to replace current corrupt immigration officers.... ...

written by therealCM, September 24, 2011 23:36:57

Anwar talking about hudud ???

HAHAHAHA.

His will be the 1st one to be lopped off. ...

written by PK Nair, September 24, 2011 23:08:52

This is true leadership ...

written by selvasuria, September 24, 2011 22:45:03

The implementation of Hudud Law in Malaysia will create unique society in Malaysia.Just imagine,how many police officers,lawyers,politician,engineers,technician, office boy's government and private clerical officers hand will be amputate,Oh my God by 2020 Malaysia will be filled up with" orang Kudung' Most of the member of political parties will loose their tangan and only kaki will remain.No more kakitangan only kakibadan.

Fantastic Hudud Law.Anyway i only believe Nature law.Ok,Brothers and sisters of PAS please draft the Hudud Law and make referendum.See how many Kelantanese and Malaysian support the law.Please don't waste time! ...

written by Soberi, September 24, 2011 21:46:49

Dear All, Please look Hudud in a bigger picture as if you see Hudud like you a ghost. ...

written by Pro arte, September 24, 2011 21:45:10

Simple question. Can a Muslim reject Hudud and be given the option of coming under the jurisdiction of the status quo i.e. civil laws? This is the crux of the matter which the venerable Bishop has not taken into account.

As human beings, let alone Catholics we must be concerned about issues of morality and the notion of freedom of conscience is a moral issue. We cannot allow Muslims to be judged under Hudud when they do not believe in such laws. ..

written by Eskay 345, September 24, 2011 21:45:09
I am referring to the "implementation of the Hudud Laws for Muslims only.

Looks like not a bad idea to use these laws to rule the Muslim populace especially the politicians and those politically- connected because they are getting out of hand, with cheating, stealing, robbing the poor citizens through mismanagement and corruption and then flaunting their ill-gotten wealth.

Like the saying: "If you can't fight them, then join them" ...

written by Malaikat666, September 24, 2011 21:05:32

Hudud can be implemented in Malaysia for Muslims only, because it is a Muslim law, and also provided that all Muslim women are not allowed to work in public establishments to avoid social complications. ...

written by Fanzu, September 24, 2011 20:31:34

In short, what his Bishopness is trying to say, moslems can do whatever the hell they want, as long as it don't bother the non moslems. Sounds fair. I guess . . ...

written by Obadiyah, September 24, 2011 19:58:26

Hahahahaha !! I just read that Jibby has turned CHICKEN-SHIT, and decided NOT to implement HUDUD !

WAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH !!! He must have heard that you endorse HUDUD !

KUDOS to YOU !!!

Nandri !!! ...

written by Ahmad Q, September 24, 2011 19:07:14

Now Dr Tan is a Christian I respect. Definitely knowledgeable and widely read. I think we all need a dose of knowledge before discussing many things including Hudud and Islam. Now lets see, if we are to discuss the relativity theory certainly I think all will rush to read up first before going into the discussion, Similarly if we are the discuss the Christian baptism; I certainly dare not unless I read up on it or at least talk to someone knowledgeable on it. But with Hudud everybody jumps in even with minimal knowledge, Of course it has do with how people think hudud will affect non Muslim's drinking and womanising preferences. Yes perhaps all should address this to allay all fears. I think drinking will still be allowed for non Muslims under Islamic law provided no Muslims involved. Womanising I dont know I think under all religions this is forbidden. ...

written by slash2013, September 24, 2011 17:52:05

i know that Hudud law won't affect non-muslims but Malaysia is the one and only bolehland in the world whos know what will happen after they implement huddud law ok for example me and my girl friend last nite both of us in the garden just hug each other but a malay officer(i dont know from which dept.)gave us a warning and told us not to do it again,but come on, we are not muslim why cant we do that?we didnt kiss in public we just hug only whats wrong with that?now u can guess what will happen after they implement huddud law.i think soon non muslim will go out meet men or women in a room also must with door open or must bring one more friend to join them. so now you know why non muslim not accept the huddud law. Malaysia is bolehland anything can happen ...

written by Lord Jim, September 24, 2011 16:57:43

The learned Catholic bishop should either prescribe same for his flock or he should mind his own business! He won't like it if some Muslim tells him how to run his business!

If the top bishop sees fit hudud law for the Muslim, he should see it fit for the gander.

Problem with practising hudud law is same as for the Old Testament - you will see those most eager to "cast the first stone" the clones of those itching to apply the law as in Life of Brian.

Won't be nice though when "Christians" get dragged out for their crimes and sins of buggery, sexual abuses, rape, perversions, etc and lashed and stoned, the man in the white bedsheets is right at this moment in Germany meeting the Catholic abuse victims in Germany.

Paying compensation is more painful than stoning, look and the Catholic churches in the US and Canada panicking over the whopping sums that are finally paid out..!

Yes, bring back the whips, don't forget the chains and the nuns habit too!

Hit me with your rhythm stick, hit me, hit me..! ...

written by bumiputar, September 24, 2011 16:48:47

YES!!!!!! Dr. Paul Tan, this is the best way to handle this kind of things. Now the ball goes back to the people fantacizing hudud........ ...

written by HUDUD is needed, September 24, 2011 16:09:50

as a non-Muslim - I fully support HUDUD laws for ALL

nothing to fear if not doing crime

all the lying, stealing, philandering, alcoholic Politicians will be the ones shivering

nothing good comes from drinking Alcohol, having illicit Sex, Gambling, watching Porno - so let's have the STRICTEST DETERRENTS possible to these Socially degrading & Morally bankrupting pursuits

I say HUDUD for ALL MALAYSIANS ...

written by chrissy, September 24, 2011 15:21:22

read' outsidethebox' blog please, the writer say hudud is found in bible, not quran. So christians what say u ..

written by SoundMan, September 24, 2011 15:18:05

Ai yah ! mass migration of Muslims to everywhere but kelantan.

The once left behind will be walking without hands and feet, you see lah.
And quarry stones will sell at a premium. Stones for Friday killings. ...

written by soboi, September 24, 2011 14:55:21

abraham ali and his cohorts must be pissing in their pants...padan muka ko...nah kita semua non/kafirs sokong 100% hukum hukum hudud/syariah di laksanakan di Malaysia. Cam mana abraham ? nak pi dang dut pun payah...kakakakaka..... ...

written by siewchinteo, September 24, 2011 14:38:43

yo bishop, methinks you should have a long chat with YM RPK about how laws are passed, no offence meant...

written by alacarte, September 24, 2011 14:31:57

written by syd, September 24, 2011 13:50:53

if kelantan or Malaysia implements hudud, 80% of the malay population will change religion or migrate to another country. There is no fun living anymore. may as well be dead.

They don't have to change religion at all, just hop across the border and do what they like, no problem with that, unless of course the Kelantan Gomen start banning Kelantanese from travel abroad, which is too extreme.

Just look at Saudi Arabia will do, the Saudis will travel to neighboring countries, especially Bharain to jig-a-jig every weekend. ...

written by JustMe2, September 24, 2011 14:08:17

How can Hudud law affect non-muslims? Isn't Hudud law is part of Shariah? Just like other rituals such as 5 daily prayers, performing haj in Makkah etc are not required by non-muslims.

written by arazak, September 24, 2011 14:07:15

Correct. . ., his excellency is 100% correct. Why they need to implement hudud law in Kelantan is because the UMNO thieves who stole the Petroleum royalty money from the poor Kelantanese people needs to have their stinikig thieving hands chopped of!



The hands of the thieving UMNO goons that needed to be chopped off first includes Toon Kutty, Sleepyhead Bodohwi, Jibby and Rosmah. Those UMNO goons and their cronies who consumed the money under the pretext of "wang ehsan" also needs to be chopped off! ...

written by Poyolahkau, September 24, 2011 13:58:02

The honourable Catholic gentleman has a valid point. These are clearly Islamic laws and should only be applicable to those who believe in Islam. I don't see any reason why non-Muslims are so agitated about how Muslims want to govern their own state of affairs. If Muslims can't force you to worship Allah, what makes you think they can impose the Shariah laws on you? For the non-Muslims, the Malaysian common law applies to them. In case of adultery between a non-Muslim and a Muslim, just apply Shariah law on the Muslim party. I don't see the unfairness here. ...

written by syd, September 24, 2011 13:50:53

if kelantan or Malaysia implements hudud, 80% of the malay population will change religion or migrate to another country. There is no fun living anymore. may as well be dead.



Can those people who does not wish to screw, drink and party please mind their own business and conduct your life style without imposing it on others. ...

written by dinosaur, September 24, 2011 13:47:50

The best way to fix up those corrupted Muslims, especially the UMNO Muslims. Stone them to death, chop off theirs palms, hands, legs or pitoils? They deserve it anyway. For those corrupted non-Muslims, follow the main land China Laws, give each deserving one a bullet! written by earthman, September 24, 2011 13:45:44

Maybe Dr Paul Tan is just mocking . Knowing well that the syariah laws will encroached on every expect of our lives. He is a learned theologian, he knows that. He is just mocking or telling the Catholics to leave the Muslims alone. ...

written by Pollux, September 24, 2011 13:27:24

No 'cast iron' business in Malaysia!