Zahid: Public flogging in Kelantan only for Muslims

The amendments to the Syariah Criminal Procedure Enactment 2002 passed by the Kelantan State Legislative Assembly yesterday should be seen in the context of it being applicable only for Muslims in that state.

Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the amended enactment only had implications on Muslims in Kelantan and did not involve non-Muslims there.

"I have not received details on the tabling of the bill and of the amendments but I feel what they’ve done should be seen in the context of this law being only for Muslims in Kelantan.”

He said this to reporters at the VIP arrival hall of Kuching International Airport today when asked to comment on the amended enactment which, among others, provides for caning in public for offences such as committing illicit sex, sodomy and alcohol consumption.

Earlier, Zahid, who is also the home minister, had attended an Aidilfitri gathering hosted by the ministry in Sri Aman.

He said the Kelantan government had the right to table the enactment amendment bill at the state assembly sitting as it had the majority voice.

"However, although the amendments have been passed, these still require the consent of the Kelantan Sultan for implementation,” he added.

The amendment bill also allows religious enforcement officers to handcuff suspects, besides the use of video recordings as evidence in syariah court hearings.

The bill was tabled by state Islamic Development and Propagation, Information and Liaison Committee chairman, Mohd Nassuruddin Daud.

-- Bernama