The administration of Islam among the various states in Malaysia has always been different, PAS spiritual advisor Nik Aziz Nik Mat maintained today.

The Kelantan Mentri Besar was responding to de facto Law Minister Dr Rais Yatim who was quoted in Thursday's Utusan Malaysia report as saying that the "difference" between Kelantan and Terengganu's version of hudud (Islamic penal code) laws is an indication that the laws are "man-made for political reasons".

"As it is, there is no uniformity in the administration of the (Barisan-ruled) states, where the various Islamic councils have different ways of doing things," said Nik Aziz.

"And so, my question is, why is this not queried or turned into an issue? It is only now that they are talking about streamlining the administration of Islam across all states so as to ensure uniformity.

"My point is, differences have always existed in the administration of Islam among (Barisan-ruled) states. Now, is that for political reasons?''

The Kelantan Hudud Enactment 1993 and the Terengganu Syariah Criminal ( hudud and qisas ) Enactment are similar to each other but for two provisions in the latter which was amended following public protests with regard to punishment of a rape victim who cannot prove the allegation.

Umno's mistakes

On the calls from various quarters for him to "advise" the popular Kuala Kedah member of parliament, Mohamad Sabu, to "refrain from hurling insults on government leaders", Nik Aziz said that no human will insult or mock others without any reason.

"This is the case whether the person is a child or an elder. If that someone has to utter an insult, there must be a reason.''

Nik Aziz then urged Umno to consider whether it has committed any wrongdoing on its part.

"If it (Umno) owns up (to its mistakes), then thank God, and Mat Sabu will stop heckling them. Otherwise, Mat Sabu will just go on,'' said Nik Aziz, who argued that Umno should rebuke its members first before pointing the finger at others.

As an example, the menteri besar pointed out how the federal government under the Barisan Nasional discriminated against citizens who do not subscribe to the party's constitution.

"In Kelantan, there are no fertiliser subsidies for farmers who do not join Umno, a move which is undoubtedly done quietly.

"The state government has to spend nearly RM3.5 million a year just to provide fertilisers to affected farmers,'' he revealed.

MOHD IRFAN ISA is a malaysiakini stringer in the east coast.