Syariah bill: Not wrong to consult Federal government - Abdul Hadi

PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang says it is not wrong to consult with any party including the federal government on the tabling of the Syariah Courts (Criminal Jurisdiction) Bill 2016 (Amendment) (RUU 355).

"Because this matter (RUU 355) is related to the mutual interests of Muslims, it is not an offence for consultations to be held whether at political or government and official levels.

"If related matters, such as the highways and Penang second bridge, the state government can discuss with the federal government, is it wrong for us to consult with the federal government?" he said when replying to Chong Chieng Jen (DAP-Bandar Kuching) who interrupted with a question during the debate on the 2017 Supply Bill in the Dewan Rakyat here yesterday.

Chong, prior to this, questioned the possibility of Abdul Hadi being made use of by the federal government to enable the private member's bill to be tabled in the Dewan Rakyat.

On May 26, Abdul Hadi tabled a motion that the bill among other things, was to amend Section 2 to replace the provisions of the existing legislation, namely, the Syariah Court will have power over Muslims and in matters of offences under those listed in item 1 of the State List, under the ninth schedule of the Federal Law.

In the meantime, Abdul Hadi, who is also Marang MP, expressed his unhappiness when the bill received negative feedbacks including from non-Muslims. He said it involved the Syariah Court and related to Muslims, and had no connection with non-Muslim communities. -- Bernama