The push for the implementation of hudud laws in Kelantan will come to naught without the endorsement of non-Muslim federal lawmakers and this is a major concern for Kelantan Umno representative Md Alwi Che Ahmad.

In view of this, he wanted PAS and Umno to convince their respective allies to endorse the Private Member’s Bill when tabled in Parliament.

"We must have the numbers," the Kok Lanas state assemblyperson told the state assembly today.

Speaking to reporters later, Md Alwi said he believes there are only 132 Muslim MPs from both sides of the political divide, and this fell short of the required number of at least 148 MPs, or two-thirds the total number of MPs, needed to amend the Federal Constitution.

"So we need support. For Pakatan Rakyat, it is PAS who has to convince them (PKR and DAP) although they seem to oppose it.

"While for our BN friends, we have told them many times that hudud does not concern the non-Muslims," he said.

This would be a tall order for both PAS and Umno, given the stand of DAP and MCA on the matter.

After the amendment was tabled in the Kelantan state assembly this morning, DAP organising secretary Anthony Loke accused Kelantan PAS of “ backstabbing ” its allies.

On the other hand, MCA leader Gan Peng Sieu also warned that if Umno backed the Bill at the federal level, it could lead MCA to sever ties with the party.

At the assembly sitting today, all 12 Umno Kelantan assemblymen endorsed the bill proposed by PAS to update the Kelantan Syariah Criminal Code (II) Enactment 1993 which forms the basis of hudud law in the state.

The legislation is expected to passed by the state assembly tomorrow with bi-partisan support.