PKR rejects PAS' hudud bill

Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) is urging the UMNO-Barisan Nasional (BN) government to clarify its stand if it will allow the Private Members Bill pertaining to the Shariah Criminal Code (II) Enactment 1993 (Amendment 2015) or hudud law, to be tabled and debated in Parliament.

In a statement today, PKR said a bill can only be tabled and debated if the government allows it, as stipulated under the Parliament’s standing orders.

“Fact of the matter is, not a single UMNO or BN supreme leader has made a statement or explain their stand about the bill being brought to Parliament,” the statement said.

The statement was referring to the notice filed by PAS president and Marang MP, Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang to the Dewan Rakyat secretary on Wednesday.

In a meeting yesterday, the PKR political bureau had specifically discussed PAS’ bill. The meeting follows the Kelantan State Legislative Assembly’s approval of the amendments to the Shariah Criminal Code (II) Enactment 1993 on Thursday.

“In the meeting, PKR made a stand to not support the bill because we were not informed about its contents.

“It was unilaterally decided. Pakatan Rakyat component parties were not told and the decision goes against the Pakatan leadership council meeting that was held on Feb 8,” the statement said.

It said PKR rejected PAS’ bill on the basis that it went against Fiqh Al-Awlawiyyat, Maslahat Ummah and the Maqasid Syariah.

The statement was signed by PKR president Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, deputy president Mohamed Azmin Ali, vice-presidents as well as Wanita Keadilan and Angkatan Muda Keadilan chiefs.