Tiada undang-undang benarkan Kabinet bahagi ikut kaum dan agama, Hadi diberitahu

DAP deputy chairman Ramkarpal Singh has rejected PAS President Hadi Awang's claim that Malaysia's multi-ethnic and multi-religious society should not be confined to a cabinet portfolio. The former Law Minister stated that Hadi's statement contradicts the Constitution and goes against the principle of a multi-ethnic and multi-religious society, which forms the basis of Malaysian society.

According to Ramkarpal, he agrees with the Malaysian Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Sikh and Tao (MCCBCHST) Advisory Council's view that Hadi's statement is a deviation from the basic structure of the Federal Constitution. The Bukit Gelugor MP also quoted Hadi's 2018 claim that PAS would establish two cabinets if in power, one for Muslims and one for non-Muslims.

He said such a setup contradicts Article 43 of the Constitution, which mandates a single cabinet. "Article 43 does not mention division of the cabinet based on ethnicity and religion," he said in a statement. "This also shows that previous leaders of this country did not intend to divide ministerial positions based on ethnicity and religion."

Ramkarpal emphasized that all citizens, regardless of ethnicity or religion, have the right to hold ministerial positions, consistent with the principle of secularism laid out in Article 8 of the Constitution. He said the power to appoint ministers lies with the Prime Minister, but the cabinet is multi-ethnic since Malaysia achieved independence.

"There is absolutely no reason for this to change," he said. Ramkarpal rejected Hadi's statement as divisive and said the DAP will always strive to ensure the principle of a united and multi-ethnic society remains a hallmark in all aspects of Malaysian life, including the composition of the cabinet. He also urged non-Muslim parties in the National Front (PN), particularly Gerakan, to openly voice their stance on Hadi's statement, as the issue is of public concern and can influence the nation's future direction.

He also urged Umno and other parties in the Barisan Nasional (BN), particularly MCA and MIC, to voice whether they agree with Hadi, reflecting their cooperation and discussion with PAS recently. Last week, Hadi said non-Muslims can serve as ministers, but their role should be limited to portfolios responsible for implementing governmental policies, while Muslims are tasked to draft policies.

During the closing of PAS's 72nd convention in Kota Bharu, he used the Ministry of Works and Housing as an example of a portfolio that could be held by non-Muslims.