A major Muslim NGO has welcomed PAS' decision not to table its Private Member's Bill on hudud in the next parliamentary sitting.

"This will allow more time to the technical committee and the people to present their views and suggestions," said Ikram president Mohd Parid Sheikh Ahmad (left) in a statement today.

He said to implement the Islamic penal law, several phases and actions need to be followed to "ensure fairness and wellbeing of all".

These for example is for the government to ensure a just society that places the welfare of the people first and foremost.

Yesterday after weeks of pushing its Bill to amend federal laws to enable Kelantan to implement its Syariah Enactment passed at state level in 1993, PAS announced it was withdrawing its plans.

PAS explained this was in light of the BN government proposing to form a joint technical committee to study the implementation of hudud in the state.

Good governance first

Stressing Ikram supports the eventual activation of Kelantan's enactment as Islamic penal laws are an essential part of being a Muslim, Mohd Parid said the country's socio-economic and political foundations must first be put in place.

"It is the duty and responsibility of the government to ensure people do not resort to crime out of pressure or force.

"Punishments should rightfully be meted only upon those who deliberately carry out a crime (despite the consequences)," he said.

Therefore, said Mohd Parid, the government must first ensure transparency and an equitable economic system before hudud can be successfully put in place.

The four phases required to prepare the ground for hudud, he explained are:

  1. Society must be educated and must understand the philosophy and true aim of Islamic penal law

  • The government must ensure the people's welfare are taken care of so people will not resort to crime

  • The government must ensure any encouragement or activity towards immorality are reduced

  • The government must implement elements that are true to Islam, such as transparency, an equitable economic system that does not oppress, good governance, a responsible government and the freedom of speech.