KUALA LUMPUR: MCA has called on Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming to once and for all put a stop to abuses by the local authorities, which are deemed against the spirit and principles of the Federal Constitution.
Its vice-president, Datuk Seri Ti Lian Ker, made the call following two incidents involving a local council in Kelantan and the non-Muslim community in the state.
Ti urged Nga to "walk his talk" or "bite the bullet" to ensure such incidents do not reoccur.
"I would like to suggest that the minister in charge clearly, irrevocably and expressly take action to stop these abuses since his statements and undertakings seem to be ignored and are ineffective.
"Nga must now act to protect the interest and liberties of non-Muslims under Article 5 (1) of the Constitution, which reads, 'No person shall be deprived of his life or personal liberty save in accordance with the law' and Article 10 (1a) that 'every citizen has the right to freedom of speech and expression'," Ti said in a statement today.
He was referring to a case this month where a female hair salon owner was fined RM100 by the Kota Baru Municipal Council (MPKB) for allowing her female worker to cut the hair of a male customer.
The other incident took place last month, when a 35-year-old woman who runs a clothing business, was issued a compound by the MPKB for wearing indecent clothing.
Ti said while the state and local councils have the right to draft their own laws, these cannot be in conflict with any federal laws providing for the same.
"This federal law must quickly be effected to curtail the abuses of these local councils as the federal law will prevail," he added.
He also asked Nga whether the ministry would propose or amend federal legislation to spell out what is "sopan" (decent) or "tak sopan" (indecent) or pass expressed provisions of law to protect the rights and liberties of these traders.
"The ministry has been very vocal about toilet cleanliness and must now flush out this issue that touches on the fundamental rights of the people," Ti said.