PKR had ordered its sole representative in the Kelantan legislative assembly to abstain from debating or voting on the contentious bill to amend the Syariah Criminal Code II Enactment 1993.

This was because the party does not see the implementation of hudud law as a priority, although the party recognises that hudud law must be accepted by all Muslims because it is a religious requirement.

In a statement signed by seven of the party's top Muslim leaders, the party explained that the implementation process of hudud is still up for discussion.

"PKR is of the view that Islamic laws involves all aspects of life and society. Apart from hudud punishment for six offences, Islamic law also involves governance, diplomacy, economic management, engagement with non-Muslims and muamalah (cooperation).

"Thus, hudud laws described in the Kelantan Syariah Criminal Code II Enactment 1993 is just one portion of a more expansive Islamic law.

"In view of this, PKR differs (from PAS) on the need to prioritise (hudud law).

"This does not mean PKR is rejecting Allah's laws.

"Instead, PKR believes in prioritising our struggle to correct injustices and people's welfare to resolves problems faced by our brethrens, especially after the devastating floods, problems caused by corruption aand abuse of power by the government," said the party.

'I didn't raise hand'

The statement was signed by PKR president Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, deputy president Azmin Ali, vice-presidents Nurul Izzah Anwar, Rafizi Ramli and Shamsul Iskan Md Akin, Wanita chief Zuraida Kamaruddin and Youth chief Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad.

Roslan Puteh ( right ), the Guchil state assemblyperson and sole PKR representative in the Kelantan assembly, was ambiguous when asked if he voted on the bill today.

He said he did not raise his hand , when asked by Malaysiakini if he voted and refused to entertain further requests for clarifications.

A voice vote was called by speaker Abdullah Ya'kob.

In view of the fact that there was no objections, he declared that the bill was passed unanimously .