Act 355 rally goes against the principles of Islam: Mahathir

KUALA LUMPUR: PAS's Act 355 rally today goes against the principles of Islam as it is politically motivated, making the Islamist party's intent questionable.
PPBM chairman Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said intentions are important in Islam and the religion should not be abused to further one's political aspirations.
"If the intention (of Act 355 rally) was to win the 14th General Election, then it is wrong. If the intention is for the advancement of Islam, then that is good. But it seems like it is for politics, so it's wrong," Mahathir told reporters after attending the PKR Bandar Tun Razak's Chinese New Year open house with with his wife Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohamad Ali, Opposition leader Datuk Seri Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, Cheras MP Tan Kok Wai, Seputeh MP Teresa Kok, and Petaling Jaya Selatan MP Hee Loy Sian.
He was commenting the rally today organised by PAS to support amendments to the Syariah Courts (Criminal Jurisdiction) Act, known as Act 355 (RUU355 in Bahasa Malaysia).
The amendments were tabled in Parliament May last year by PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang and it has since been taken over and refined by the government.
The amendments Bill is expected to be debated when Dewan Rakyat, the lower house of Parliament, convenes next month.
Mahathir questioned the heavy punishment prescribed under the Bill and said this will create two sets of laws between Muslims and Non-Muslims in the country, contravening the Islamic principle of justice.
"This does not reflect the God (Tuhan) that we pray to. The God we pray to is fair, compassionate, and loving.