PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang has claimed that MCA and MIC appear to have made DAP their 'imam' (Islamic religious leader) with regard to the contentious Hudud Bill issue.

He also questioned the need for certain parties to be poking their noses into something which concerns Muslims.

Apart from this, the Marang MP also defended working with Putrajaya on this issue, and cited the DAP-led Penang state government as an example.

"If it involves highways and bridges, the Penang (state government) can negotiate (with the federal government). Why can't we discuss religious matters (with the federal government)?

"This involves Muslims, not non-Muslims. So why is DAP meddling in this? MCA and MIC as well as the others have now 'berimamkan' DAP.

"Unfortunately, another party, Amanah (Parti Amanah Negara) is following them," he said in his winding-up speech at the PAS muktamar in Kota Baru this afternoon.

MCA president Liow Tiong Lai, MIC president Dr S Subramaniam and Gerakan president Mah Siew Keong have threatened to resign from their respective cabinet positions if the bill is passed.

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

It seeks to amend the Syariah Courts (Criminal Jurisdiction) Act 1965 or Act 355, which limits the Syariah Court's punishment.

It is often 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.

Meanwhile, Hadi also reminded PAS members to adhere to the decisions made by the party leadership, including those concerning election candidates.

"We have to accept the decision. The decision is made based on strong reasons. We have divisions, members there... So we made a decision," he said.

It is believed the PAS president was responding to the motion brought forth by Selangor Dewan Ulama representative Nik Bakri Nik Mat who questioned the move to field Dr Abdul Rani Osman as the candidate for the Sungai Besar by-election.