Shafie Apdal challenges hudud to be implemented in Opposition states

Hudud should be implemented in opposition-led states first and the federal government should not be asked to bear the burden in executing it, said Rural and Regional Development Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal.

He, however, said hudud (Islamic criminal law) should be scrutinised in a comprehensive manner because once it were to become part of the constitution and law, it should be implemented appropriately.

"Opposition-led states, including Penang, should take the lead through a concerted action in implementing hudud, and not merely enforced in Kelantan," he told reporters after witnessing the appointment of Sinergi Perdana Sdn Bhd as marketer of latex chemical produced by Hiska Sinergi Sdn Bhd here today.

He was commenting on Kelantan chief syarie judge Datuk Daud Muhammad that the Kelantan Syariah Court was ready to implement hudud or the Kelantan Syariah Criminal Enactment II 1993 if the state government were to enforce it.

"Although states are vested with powers over religion, we need to examine the legal effect at the federal level," he said.

In another development, Shafie said the rural entrepreneur mini carnival would be held in all zones nationwide next year following its success recently.

He also announced that Risda College would be upgraded to a university college known as Agroscience University College soon.