Non-Muslims must not block PAS’ attempts to implement hudud in Kelantan, according to party vice-president Datuk Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man who insisted that it is compulsory for Muslims to adhere to the Islamic penal code.
He told Sinar Harian that non-Muslims were “too quick” in rejecting hudud, and said it akin to forbidding Muslims from fulfilling their right to perform solat (prayer).
“They have to understand that they cannot forbid the mandatory requirements imposed on a person of faith. It is like stopping someone from praying and interfering with other requirements of religion,” said Tuan Ibrahim.
He also said that that as hudud will only come into effect in Kelantan, it has no implications on Muslims in other states.
“I’m Muslim but in Pahang therefore I’m not involved,” said Tuan Ibrahim to the Malay daily.
Islamic jurisprudence covers crimes such as theft, robbery, adultery, rape and sodomy.
Punishments for the crimes are severe, including amputation of limbs, flogging and death by stoning.
PAS, a partner in federal opposition pact Pakatan Rakyat (PR), openly announced its bid recently to implement hudud in Kelantan, the sole Muslim-majority state which it leads.
The party plans to push through several private members bills in Parliament, which would enable it enforce Kelantan Syariah Criminal Code Enactment II that was passed in 1993.
But the Islamist party is facing unyielding resistance from its PR partners PKR and DAP, and said it hopes to bank on votes from Umno MPs in order to get the bill approved. The party will need a simple majority of 112 votes for this. UMNO has agreed to support the bill.
Detractors, particularly those in the legal fraternity, insist that the enactment is unconstitutional, as it would violate the tenets of the Federal Constitution.
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