PAS secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan has defended his use of the term “black Friday” in response to the Federal Court nullifying 16 provisions in Kelantan’s syariah criminal enactment.
He said it was a normal response as a lawyer whenever a case did not go his way.
“When I lose a case, I say ‘this is a black Monday’, or ‘black Tuesday’. It is black for my client,” he said lightheartedly during a dialogue between PAS leaders and the Chinese media in Kuala Lumpur today.
“This is black for us because our law... our law in Kelantan was declared unconstitutional and invalid.
“So what more can I say? If I say ‘nothing la, nothing la’, that is not a reasonable person’s (response),” he added.
Takiyuddin said this in response to a query on PAS’ current position on the Federal Court’s decision after Selangor’s Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah called for calm on the matter.
The state ruler had - without mentioning Takiyuddin - said reactions like calling the decision a “black Friday” had caused confusion among Muslims.
‘Why so negative?’
Meanwhile, Terengganu Menteri Besar Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar - who was also present at today’s event - questioned why the term “black Friday” was viewed so negatively.
“I’m trying to understand why,” he said.
Takiyuddin then interjected and claimed that when Anwar Ibrahim was jailed, the slogan “May Day for justice” was used.
“But no one commented on that,” Takiyuddin said.
Malaysiakini’s checks found no use of the slogan “May day for justice” in relation to Anwar being imprisoned.
However, it is the title of a book by former lord president of the then supreme court, the late Mohamed Salleh Abas, and K Das, about the 1988 judicial and constitutional crisis.
The Federal Court, in nullifying 16 syariah criminal provisions in Kelantan, ruled that the state had exceeded its authorities by legislating matters that were under federal purview.
PAS and other conservative groups lamented the judgement as a weakening of Islamic law in the country.
On the bright side
While initially lamenting the outcome, Takiyuddin said the case can be “viewed positively”.
Specifically, he said it showed there was a need to amend the Federal Constitution to “enable Muslims to practice their religion”.
He said PAS would support any solutions by the government to strengthen syariah law in the country.
He assured that this would not affect non-Muslims and their religious freedom.
Meanwhile, on the matter of PAS’ relationship with the Malay rulers, Takiyuddin said it was positive.
“We have four menteris besar, and there are no problems with the sultans in those states, Kelantan, Terengganu, Kedah, and Perlis.
“So, it shows that we can work together with the Conference of Rulers,” he said.
He added that PAS’ principle is to uphold the Federal Constitution - which includes the royal institution. - Mkini
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