Idris: PN will back amendments to clarify syariah jurisdiction

 

Perikatan Nasional will back amendments to the Federal Constitution that would bring clarity over the jurisdiction of the syariah courts, said PAS vice-president Idris Ahmad.

"We hope there will be amendments to the constitution if there is a grey area on the (jurisdiction) of the syariah court.

"PN is ready to support," he said when met outside the Palace of Justice today.

The Bagan Serai MP was among 2,500 people who gathered in Putrajaya earlier this morning as the Federal Court heard submissions over a judicial review on 18 provisions in the Kelantan Syariah Criminal Code (I) Enactment 2019.

Applicants Nik Elin Zurina Nik Abdul Rashid and Yasmin Nastasha Tengku Abdul Rahman are seeking a declaration that the 18 provisions were unconstitutional because they overlapped with federal law.

Opponents of the Kelantan Syariah Criminal Code (I) Enactment 2019 such as Sisters in Islam, Justice for Sisters and Legal Dignity have argued that the laws had usurped the civil court's jurisdiction enshrined in Article 121(1)(a)1 of the Federal Constitution.

Critics also argued that the wider and broader scope for the operation and enforcement of syariah laws will lead to even more persecution amongst vulnerable grounds.

After hearing the submissions, the Federal Court said it would reserve judgment for a later date.

However, lawyers for the Kelantan government are already raising the possibility of a need to amend the Federal Constitution should the applicants obtain a favourable judgment. - Mkini