Muslim MPs should support Amendment to Act 355 - Takiyuddin

All 135 Muslim members of parliament (MP) have been urged to support the proposed amendments to the Syariah Courts (Criminal Jurisdiction) Act 1965 (Act 355), in the best interest of Islam and Muslims in the country.

PAS secretary-general Datuk Takiyuddin Hassan said if the proposal was not supported by the majority of MPs, the amendments would not be able to be implemented despite support from the public.

"It is our hope that all 135 members of parliament from different political parties realise that the amendment is for the sake of Islam and not their political parties.

"This issue crosses political boundaries, so I urge all Muslim MPs to understand their responsibilities, as this (proposal) will fail if only the people want it, while they (MPs) reject it."

He was speaking to Bernama after attending a forum organised by the Institute of Islamic Strategic Research Malaysia (IKSIM) at the Al-Hana Hall in Sik, here, Saturday.

On Nov 24 last year, PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang tabled a motion in parliament to amend the Syariah Courts (Criminal Jurisdiction) Act 1965 to strengthen the Syariah Courts in meting out higher penalties for crimes.

Takiyuddin, who was the forum's panel member, said it was one of a series of briefings held to explain the proposed amendments to the bill across the country.

"In the parliament session in March and April this year, we expect Abdul Hadi to be allowed to debate the amendment, so I feel the explanation (about the bill) and (raising) support from people on the ground is needed.

"I also hope that those present today will convey the information to others as this is for the sake of Islam, Syariah courts, and Muslims," he said.

The forum also featured Minister in the Prime Minister's Department, Datuk Seri Jamil Khir Baharom as a panel member and IKSIM chief executive officer, Prof Datuk Mahamad Naser Disa as the moderator.

- BERNAMA