The Syariah Courts (Criminal Jurisdiction) Act 1965 or Act 355 should be amended to improve the social system of Islam in the country, says principal fellow of the Institute of Islamic Understanding Malaysia (Ikim) Dr Shamrahayu Ab Aziz. 

Without denying the importance of education in guiding the community, she said the proposed amendment which aimed at empowering the Syariah Courts was also important to ensure that the improved law would complement the aspects of education. 

"In the current situation, the law relating to punishment is necessary to improve the social system of Islam," she said at the media briefing on Act 355 in Cyberjaya today. 

Also present were Malaysian Muslim Consumers Association media adviser Tuan Asmawi Tuan Omar and Jalur Tiga Malaysia deputy president Fauzi Shaffie. 

Meanwhile, Tuan Asmawi said all Muslim Members of Parliament (MPs) should support the proposed amendment to Act 355 for the well-being of the ummah. 

"The Muslim MPs should not reject the proposed amendment just because they want to win the hearts of their non-Muslim supporters," he said. 

Fauzi, on the other hand, said the amendment could prevent Muslims from being involved in 'sinful' industry which were based on vice activities, such as gambling and free sex. 

He said he was worried that the issue would continue to be disputed to let Muslims continue doing evil and contribute to the sinful industry. 

On Nov 24 last year, PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang brought a motion to amend the Act 355 in the Dewan Rakyat. 

The amendment involves increasing the maximum jail sentence to 30 years from the current three, fine of up to RM100,000 from the current RM5,000 and 100 strokes of the rotan from the current six. 

- Bernama