The implementation of hudud in Kelantan must comply with the federal constitution, reiterated Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Jamil Khir Baharom.

 

"If any state wishes to implement the existing syariah criminal laws, they need to scrutinise the law to ensure the implementation is in line with federal constitution and existing laws.

 

"This is to ensure justice and fairness in the legal system," said the Jerai MP in a Parliamentary written reply to Tanjong MP Ng Wei Aik.

 

Ng had asked the cabinet to state its stand on the Kelantan Syariah Criminal Code II (1993) and the Private Member’s Bill brought by Hadi.

Jamil said Islamic law should be executed in an organised manner and should observe the framework of the federal constitution.

 

"We are aware of the private member's bill brought by Marang parliamentarian (Abdul Hadi Awang), during the first session and third session of the 15th Parliament," he said.

 

He added that the Islamic law is only restricted to Muslims.

Jamil, as the minister in charge of Islamic affairs, has previously been involved with several rounds of talks with the Kelantan government through a joint technical committee on the state's desire to implement of hudud law.

Part of the deal between Putrajaya and Kelantan saw the state amending the Syariah Criminal Code II Enactment 1993 in March.

As far as PAS is concerned, the final hurdle lies in Parliament through the amendment of the Syariah Court (Criminal Jurisdiction) Act 1965.

This law currently limits the Syariah Court to imposing a maximum jail term of three years, a maximum RM5,000 fine and six lashes of the rotan.

Kelantan's Syariah Criminal Code II Enactment 1993 prescribes death by stoning, amputations, cruxifications and life imprisonments.