The dispute on sodomy in marriage between Zaid Ibrahim and Azalina Othman, lawyers and politicians of Umno and PAS is rather amusing.

I must first say that I do not agree with the fact of criminalising sexual acts between consenting adults. I am rather surprised that Azalina has decided to jump into the fray after allegations against her own sexual preferences.

This is where Zaid and Azalina are not very astute. We condemn this and are in fact inviting condemnation of other sexual acts. As lawyers they should have understood the importance of consent in sexual relationships. Perhaps both need to brush-up their knowledge of criminal law and sexual assault as well.

What PAS is doing is outlawing sex between persons not legally married to each other. This is the right-wing view.

Perhaps Zaid has another idea in raising the fuss on sodomy as he has a case against the state of Kelantan coming up on the Kelantan hudud law. His outburst might be publicity for this case.

I do not think there is a principle in the Syariah condemning anal intercourse or fellatio (and anything else) between married couples as long as there is agreement. The dispute between 'mazhab Umno' and 'mazhab PAS' is political mileage.