BN strategic communications director Abdul Rahman Dahlan has assured a "happy ending" once the dust settles on the Hudud Bill row.

The housing, local government and urban-wellbeing minister said he understands the concerns of BN component parties, but pointed out that the tabling of the bill was just the beginning while the ending remains unknown.

He also pointed out that there would be more discussions within BN to arrive at a consensus on the matter.

"I'm sure that when the dust settles, we will come to an equilibrium where a position will be attained by the BN to deal with this issue.

"Rest assured that BN respects everybody's views within BN. We will come to a conclusion that is a happy ending for everybody," he told reporters in Kuala Lumpur today.

The minister said the tabling of PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang's Private Member's Bill enabled the handling of a sensitive matter in a professional manner, which is through debates.

The bill is officially named the Syariah Courts (Criminal Jurisdiction) (Amendment) Bill 2016.

It is referred to as the "Hudud Bill" as it would ultimately pave the way for the partial implementation of the Islamic penal code, specifically in PAS-ruled Kelantan which had already passed an enactment to that effect.

Part of parliamentary reform

Replying to a question, Abdul Rahman dismissed the suggestion that Umno made a unilateral decision in tabling the bill, despite opposition from its BN partners.

Echoing the statements of Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Azalina Othman Said, Abdul Rahman said the unprecedented move of allowing a Private Member’s Bill to be debated was merely a part of parliamentary reform.

“No. Let’s say if the Private Member’s Bill is tabled in the future in Parliament, anybody can do it. This is what everybody wants – a reform in Parliament.

“You don’t have to get your (party) whip to agree with you, or the government or the cabinet to agree, but a Private Member’s Bill is presented to Parliament,” he said when asked.

He said people should not call for parliamentary reform and urge for Private Member’s Bills to be allowed to be debated, while at the same time pick and choose between which Private Member’s Bill can or can’t be debated.

“You can’t have the cake and eat it at the same time,” he said.

Previously, International Trade and Industry Minister II Ong Ka Chuan revealed that prior to the bill being tabled on 26 May, Zahid ask asked a 'hypothetical' question in a cabinet meeting that he chaired on May 20.

"He did not say it (would be tabled), he just asked if someone were to table an amendment to Act 355 – just a hypothetical question – what did we think about it?

"All of us were of the opinion that this could not be accepted," Ong told a press conference in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.

Despite this, the bill was tabled with government support.