The PAS-led Kelantan state government can prove that hudud laws are wanted by the people of the state by having a public vote or referendum, said Suara Rakyat Malaysia (Suaram) coordinator Ahmad Syukri Ab Razab.
He said by doing so, the Kelantan state government can set an example to other states and the Federal government as through the referendum system, the people can make a choice across political beliefs for the benefit of all.
“This will make the PAS-led government in Kelantan become a spark for a democracy system which truly is based on the values of people’s power,” he said in a press statement.
“With a capacity of 918,573 registered voters, it is not impossible for the state government to carry out the referendum which will truly set a new history in Malaysia democracy system,” he added.
He stressed that the 13th general election results cannot be used as a basis for the state government to implement hudud in the state as based on the results, only 44 per cent of the people of Kelantan had given their votes to PAS to form government in the state.
“The overall votes that PAS received in Kelantan is 44 per cent of the total number of registered voters which comes to a total of 400,238 people, followed by BN 37 per cent and PKR 2 per cent,” he said.
“44 per cent is a significant figure which showed that not even half of Kelantan's registered voters gave their votes to PAS,” he added.
He said to claim that the majority of Kelantan people support PAS, the party needed to have at least 465,000 votes.
He also said that the Kelanatan state government need not fear of carrying out the referendum as the people in the state have long been taught and instilled with Islamic Tarbiah values.
He said it would also not be a surprise if after all the years of being instilled with Tarbiah Islamic values, more than 465,000 people showed their support for hudud.
Ahmad Syukri said with the referendum system, the state government needed to have at least 51 per cent of support from the voters to implement hudud.
“If the referendum failed to garner 51 per cent of votes, then it is an indicator that the people of Kelantan are not ready to accept hudud for lack of understanding or other factors,” he said.
He said the state government should not take offence if it failed to garner the support for hudud from the registered voters as it showed that the people are expecting more explanation about the laws.
“Maybe the people of Kelantan see that there are other pressing matters that the state government should concentrate on now than hudud law,” he said.
He said if the state government was adamant of implementing the hudud laws without allowing the people to make a choice, it might translate into protest in the 14th general election.
He added that it was better for the people of Kelantan to reject hudud laws from being implemented in the state rather than rejecting the PAS-led government in the next general election.
Astro Awani
Wed Apr 16 2014
Who is Prabowo Subianto, incoming president of Indonesia?
A wealthy ex-general with ties to Indonesia's popular outgoing president and its dictatorial past, looks set to be its next leader.
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.