Kayveas Right Timing

Eight of the nine non-Muslim ministers withdraw the memorandum which they had submitted to the Prime Minister. Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said the issue had been put to rest. "Everybody should stop talking about the memorandum because the people who submitted it have withdrawn (the document)." He reiterated that Article 121 (1A) of the Federal Constitution would not be amended to give the civil court power to hear matters concerning Islam. However, he added, the Government was prepared to amend subsidiary legislation to remove any ambiguity concerning the jurisdiction of the Syariah and civil courts.

The ministers had presented the memorandum following concerns raised by non-Muslims over the dispute between the widow of M. Moorthy @ Muhammad Abdullah and the Federal Territory Religious Council on whether Moorthy had converted to Islam. The civil court declined to interfere in the dispute, saying it was a matter for the Syariah Court to handle.

Gerakan president Datuk Seri Dr Lim Keng Yaik on the meeting with the Prime Minister said: "Following the advice of the Prime Minister, we have decided to withdraw the memorandum.

Meanwhile, Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department, Datuk Dr M. Kayveas blamed the nine ministers for failing to consult the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) on the matter. “I would have advised against it, if I were consulted on the matter,” said Kayveas. Asked if he agreed that Article 121 (1A) of the Federal Constitution should be reviewed to safeguard the interests of non-Muslims, he said: “It’s up to the Cabinet. Pak Lah’s views are our views”. He also said that the nine ministers who submitted the memorandum should resign, adding that it was totally irregular and contrary to the collective responsibility of, and conventions relating to the Cabinet. “How can I send a memorandum to my own boss?,” he asked, adding that he could not comprehend their action.

Kayveas once again proved that he knows the right timing to get into action and score some points.