NS to appeal against cross-dressing case

The Negeri Sembilan (NS) state government will file an appeal to the Federal Court against the Court of Appeal's decision on Section 66 of the Syariah Criminal (Negeri Sembilan) Enactment 1992, by Friday.

Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said he was satisfied with the submissions prepared by the state legal adviser for the appeal.

"We have ample grounds for appeal to strike out the Court of Appeal's judgement.

"We are not so angry or disappointed that the three individuals involved were discharged but to declare Section 66 as invalid is very dangerous.

"It will set a precedent for those who want to promote pluralism, liberalism and other such ideologies in the country," he said while closing the 'Konvesyen Akidah Antarabangsa 2014', here Thursday.

Mohamad said it would be destructive for Malaysia to allow such mindset to thrive.

The Court of Appeal on Nov 7 allowed the appeal by three bridal makeup artists, Muhamad Juzaili Mohamad Khamis, 26; Syukor Jani, 28; and Wan Fairol Wan Ismail, 30; to declare Section 66 as unconstitutional.

The religious enactment criminalises Muslim men who cross dress in public.