A spokesman for the group of eminent Malaysia (G25), Datuk Noor Farida Ariffin said this was because the method of implementing hudud law is still very weak and did not use modern technology.
“The syariah enactment is still maintaining the method of using four eye-witnesses to determine the crime of adultery. Why not run a DNA test to convict perpetrators? How are we to get four eye-witnesses in the crime of adultery and child rape?” she said in the forum ‘Malaysia, Economic Freedom and Globalisation’ that was held today in conjunction with the Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs (IDEAS) fifth anniversary.
She said without modern technology, it would be very tough for authorities to prove the crimes of perpetrators.
“If hudud is implemented in Kelantan, paedophiles will be flocking the state because their sexual crimes will be tough to prove. It’s so easy for them to get away scott-free,” she said.
Noor Farida, who was a Malaysian ambassador to the Netherlands, said many aspects needed to be thoroughly considered before hudud can be implemented in this country.
“Many Islamic scholars have researched on the enforcement of hudud. These scholars say, several aspects need to be considered, such as the gap between race and culture as well as its suitability before it can be implemented.
“Also, with the rise of various extremist groups, I’d say it would be most unsuitable for hudud to be implemented anywhere in Malaysia.
“I know, there may be several ‘ustaz’ (male religious teacher) who’ll say I cannot question Allah’s law. But we need to fully realise what is happening in the country right now.
“I’m a Muslim who practices the religion but I don’t want to be living under hudud laws. No thanks,” she said.
The panel of speakers: (from left) Dr Razeen, Nur Jazlan, Dr Sufian, Noor Farida and Wan Saiful. - Astro AWANI/Haider Yutim
In 1993, the amendments to the Syariah Criminal Code II 1993 had been passed by the Kelantan state assembly, but the Federal Constitution had rejected it.
Now, the Kelantan Government plans to table a Private Member's Bill in Parliament in March to seek approval for the same amendments to enable hudud to be enforced in the state.
The proposed amendments would also be discussed in the PAS meeting tomorrow morning.
According to the party, decisions will be first made in the meeting before it can be brought to the Pakatan Rakyat leadership meeting in the evening on the same day.
The event that was organised by IDEAS today were held to commemorate Malaysia's first prime minister Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra al-Haj's 112th birthday, which will fall on Feb 8.
Besides Noor Farida, the panel of speakers at the event included Dr Razeen Sally, the chair of IDEAS Political Economy and Governance Unit; Public Accounts Committee chairman and Pulai MP, Datuk Nur Jazlan Mohamed; World Trade Institute external consultant, Dr Sufian Jusoh, and IDEAS CEO Wan Saiful Wan Jan.
The VIPs of the event were IDEAS president Tunku Zain Al-'Abidin ibni Tuanku Muhriz and Datin Sharifah Menyalara Hussein.
