PKR wants PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang to hold a briefing to explain in detail the contents of his private member's bill to amend the Syariah Courts (Criminal Jurisdiction) Act.

Party president Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail said her party would not be able to make a stand on the amendments sought unless details are provided, and if the prime minister can assure there will be no breach of the Federal Constitution.

"A stand can only be made after a detailed explanation by the Marang MP (Hadi), and more importantly, if the prime minister can assure that constitutional rights will be protected.

"Any amendments to the law must adhere to the principles of justice and fairness in Islam, and not breach the text and spirit of the Federal Constitution and the Malaysia Agreement," she added in a statement.

Wan Azizah also called for a parliamentary select committee on the matter, consisting of Muslims and non-Muslims.

This comes after Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Jamil Khir Baharom held a briefing for Muslim MPs on the bill.

Hadi's motion to seek leave to table his bill for first reading will be tabled in the House, either today or tomorrow, Zahid said.

Reiterating the party's Oct 20 stand, Wan Azizah said PKR believes Islamic jurisprudence should adhere to the objectives of syariah, which is to uphold justice and fairness.

"The confusion and various perceptions in society about the proposed bill to amend arises from the lack of information, discussion and co-operation between Islamic bodies and scholars with the non-Muslim community...

"The decision to let this issue prolong and hang over Parliament, without any effort to clarify matters or to host discussions has raised suspicion, and worse, painted Islam in a negative manner," Wan Azizah said.

She said any move to strengthen syariah laws must be done holistically, and not just to promote a specific section of the law or punishment.

"Aspects of administration, management, remuneration and the jurisdiction of the syariah court should also be given attention," she added.