Jakim director-general Datuk Othman Mustapha said the bill to amend the Shariah Courts (Criminal Jurisdiction) Act 1965, or Act 355, would increase the penalties against Muslims who failed to fast and those who engaged in “khalwat” (close proximity).
"Act 355 has long been part of Jakim's efforts to increase the punishments according to the Al-Quran. This is with the exception of the death penalty.
"If we do not agree after all years of fighting for it, Muslims who do not fast and engage in 'khalwat' will only face minimal punishment," he said when launching the national level conference for district religious officers in Kuala Lumpur today.
Othman said PAS's hudud bill warranted consideration in Parliament, but left the approval to the legislators.
"We are compelled to take this view.
"That is also the reason why (minister in the Prime Minister's Department) Datuk Seri Jamil Khir Baharom stated his approval of the suggestion by Kelantan in Parliament.
"Now its status rests with Parliament."
Hadi sent a notice to Parliament on the bill on March 18 after the Kelantan state assembly unanimously approved the Shariah Criminal Code 11 1993 (Amendment 2015).
This will allow Hadi to table a private member's bill to amend the Shariah Courts (Criminal Jurisdiction) Act 1965 and pave way for certain categories under hudud to be implemented in Kelantan.
On March 19, the Kelantan legislative assembly unanimously passed the Shariah Criminal Code II Enactment 1993 (Amendment 2015).
PAS allies in the opposition pact Pakatan Rakyat – DAP and PKR – have said they would not support the bill in Parliament.
The bill was entered as the last item to be debated in the Dewan Rakat's order paper and has been deferred to its next sitting in May.
- TMI
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