While Umno in principle agrees with hudud law, multiracial Malaysia is still not ready for its implementation, said Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin.

"As Muslims, we must adhere to (Islamic) precepts," he told reporters after chairing the cabinet committee on supply and pricing in Putrajaya today.

"We cannot implement because of situation and circumstance," he added further.

The main concern he said is to widen the understanding about hudud before it can be implemented.

He said this was important to maintain unity in Malaysia until all races and religious groups accept Islamic jurisprudence.

"For now, it is not yet time (for hudud)," he stressed.

He was asked to respond to opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim's support for hudud to be implemented in Kelantan.

However, Muhyiddin refused to elaborate further on Anwar's statement as he has not read it in full.

"I do not know if he said he support hudud or its implementation... but as for PAS if they think that they can implement it in Kelantan, then it is up to them, for us it is not yet time."

The opposition leader today, expressed his personal support should Kelantan were to implement hudud law as challenged by former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamed, though made it clear that it was not the official stand of Pakatan.

“For now, in general, in principle, I believe this can be implemented. Looking at the specific areas and there are clear guarantees on the administration of justice.

“It does not in any way infringe on the rights of non-Muslims,”  he said when met at the Kuala Lumpur court complex.

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