Syariah Bill proposes to enhance syariah courts: PAS veep

He said those who spoke against or criticised the Bill did not understand why it was tabled in the Dewan Rakyat.

He also said the Bill covered only Muslims.

"We brought the Bill to enhance the Syariah Courts so that they can impose heavier penalties for offences," he said, adding that these courts could now only impose jail sentences of up to three years, a fine of RM5,000 and six strokes of the cane.

Mohd Amar, who is Kelantan deputy menteri besar, spoke to reporters after handing over keys to house buyers in Taman Kurnia Jaya, Pengkalan Chepa, here.

He said the proposed amendment required the cooperation of the federal government because the government itself had the desire to enhance the Syariah Courts.

He also said if discussions were held objectively over the next few months, many would be able to understand the matter.

"Many people were apprehensive and raised arguments when the government introduced Islamic banking and Takaful Islam, but they eventually saw the benefits and accepted it, including non-Muslims," he said.