PAS Kelantan should prioritise social justice like the fair distribution of zakat (tithe) instead of the implementation of the hudud law, PKR central committee member Latheefa Koya said.

This comes after PAS-led Kelantan government announced a special legislative assembly sitting on the Kelantan Syariah Criminal Code II on Dec 29, and PAS’ intention to proceed with a private members’ bill in Parliament to enable the hudud in Kelantan.

 

"The distribution of wealth to the poor and needy is far more important than the implementation of punishment under the guise of PAS’s version of hudud," Latheefa said in a statement.

"Any rule that departs from justice to injustice or departs from common good to harm is not part of syariah."

She added that Kelantan especially should be keen in revamping zakat administration to ensure compliance with Islamic principles, as it is among the poorest states.

Zakat also comes second in the five basic acts mandatory for Muslims dubbed the ‘pillars of Islam’, which underscores its importance, she said.

"Zakat is now the fallen pillar of Islam."

Latheefa said Kelantan PAS’ insistence on the hudud thus shows failure to understand priorities in Islamic governance.

"There is a clear political agenda behind this," she said.

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