Subra: It was BN's decision to allow Bill to be tabled
BESTFBKL: Allowing the bill to be tabled but at the same time declaring before they do not support it is just another point for those who say how irrelavant some of the component parties have become. BN=UMNO and UMNO=BN
KUALA LUMPUR: It was Barisan Nasional’s decision to allow PAS president Datuk Seri Hadi Awang to table the Private Member’s Bill (RUU355) but there would be no debate, said MIC president Datuk Seri Dr S Subramaniam.
He said the decision was made based on the agreement made at the Barisan Nasional Council last week.
However, he said, if Speaker Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia had allowed the debates to be held, MIC lawmakers would be ready to present their views.
“The decision was to allow PAS to present their case and there was an agreement that there won’t be voting today.
“So, as far as that is concerned, we followed the decision of the Barisan Council,” Dr Subramaniam told reporters at Parliament building on Thursday.
Earlier, Pandikar deferred the Bill (or RUU355) to the next Parliament sitting after Kota Baru MP Datuk Takiyuddin Hassan was the sole lawmaker given a chance to speak in support of the Bill.
Dr Subramaniam said MIC leaders had expressed their concerns over the Bill, although they appreciated the explanation given by PAS.
“There was this consolation that non-Muslims will never be affected but subsequently we have cases like the Indira Gandhi (child custody in conversion) case despite the assurances given,” he said.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Tan Sri Joseph Kurup said that there was a decision to table it but not allow it to be debated.
Asked whether he would vote for or against the Bill, he said, “We wait until we cross the bridge.”
MCA deputy president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong said they have “made clear” about their stance.
“And we will continue with this stance,” he said.Read more at http://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2017/04/06/subra-speaks-private-members-bill/#Itw0MZ2Ya8ABVcUS.99
