MCA has no plan whatsoever to interfere in issues relating to Islam, including the proposed amendments to the Syariah Courts (Criminal Jurisdiction) Act 1965 (Act 355), MCA secretary-general Ong Ka Chuan said.

As such, he said when MCA voiced its opinion about the Act 355, it did not mean that the party was anti-Islam or wanted to interfere in Islamic affairs in the country.

"It is simply because the issue (Act 355) is very sensitive as it involves a religion, and as a political party, we have to voice out our opinion on behalf of the Chinese community to erase all concerns and worries among them, so that the issue will not cause racial disharmony in the country.

"I'm sorry if anyone felt offended. We did this with good intent, we have to stay united and continue to live in peaceful and harmonious environment," he told reporters after attending the Chinese New Year celebration organised by Perak Wanita MCA, Ipoh yesterday.

Also present was Perak Wanita MCA chief Heng Seai Kie.

When opening the 63rd MCA annual general assembly recently, MCA president Liow Tiong Lai was reported to have said that the party would oppose the bill because it was deemed to be in conflict with the Federal Constitution and the Federation of Malaya Agreement.

- Bernama