PKR has urged Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak and PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang to clear up ambiguities in the latter's Private Member's Bill to expand the syariah courts' powers.

"In the event of a debate on the motion and before we make the next decision, we await the Marang MP's (Hadi) explanations.

"But more importantly, we want to hear the prime minister's stand and guarantee that all rights under the constitution will be protected," said PKR president Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail in a press release this evening.

Wan Azizah said PKR had identified several worrying ambiguities regarding the scope of punishments that must be addressed.

"Since the proposals involve criminal laws that conflict with Islamic laws, the proposed punishments have to be absolutely certain.

"Whatever amendments that deal with punishments must be precise in their meaning. Any proposed amendments need to be absolutely aligned with Islamic laws.

"We also need to consider whether the amendments fit into the framework of the Federal Constitution," she added.

'Stay within constitutional bounds'

Stressing that PKR respects Hadi's right to propose such legal amendments, Wan Azizah however said wide public consultation should have been sought.

"We have chosen the path of mutual understanding to uphold Islam as the religion of the federation while guaranteeing religious freedom for non-Muslims.

"PKR's position is predicated on the condition that any debate on the motion and its amendments to existing laws must comply and fulfill Islamic principles of justice and fairness.

"(Furthermore, the amendments must not) contradict the text and spirit of the Federal Constitution and the Malaysia Agreement," she added.