Non-Muslim MPs should support hudud bill in spirit of Federal Constitution - Abdul Hadi

PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang hopes non-Muslim members of parliament (MPs) can support the Private Member's Bill (Hudud Bill) in the spirit of the federal constitution.

"They (non-Muslim MPs) should make way as the federal constitution clearly states that Islam is the official religion of this country, while non-Muslims are free to practice other religions," he told a press conference after chairing a special meeting of the PAS Central Committee at the party's headquarter, here today.

Also present were PAS deputy president Mohamad Sabu, PAS secretary-general Datuk Mustafa Ali and PAS assistant secretary Datuk Takiyuddin Hassan.

Abdul Hadi urged Muslim MPs to support the hudud bill regardless of their political parties and urged non-Muslim MPs to make way as it has nothing to do with non-Muslims.

On March 18, Abdul Hadi filed a notice to table a motion on hudud bill to parliament and expected it to be read for the first time before April 9 (last day of session).

Meanwhile, Takiyuddin explained that the PAS plan to table the motion was to expand the jurisdiction of the Syariah courts in this country.

He said section two of Act 355 under the Syaria Court (Criminal Jurisdiction) Act 1965, the maximum power of the Lower, High or Appeal Court was three years' jail, RM5,000 fine, or six strokes.

This was different from the Magistrates' Court which has the power to jail offenders for up to five years, a fine of RM10,000 and 12 years jail.

Takiyuddin said the Sessions Court can jail offenders for life while the High Court may impose the death penalty.

"Datuk Seri president (Abdul Hadi Awang) is bringing this motion to make amendments to enhance the jurisdiction of the Syariah courts."

He said Abdul Hadi only requires a simple majority to get the amendment passed by parliament.

When met in parliament lobby later today, Abdul Hadi said PAS will continue with its stand to table a Private Members' Bill on hudud in parliament.

The Marang Member of Parliament said the decision was final and that the party would not bow to any pressure, including from the DAP.

"In accordance with my discussions with PAS spiritual leader (Datuk Dr Haron Din), I will table this bill," he added.

The Kelantan State Legislative Assembly unanimously passed the Syariah Criminal Code (II) 1993 (Amendment 2015) Bill or Hudud Billon March 19.