Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak made an unexpected announcement last night that the government will not take the lead in PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang's move to enhance punishment by the syariah courts.

This was announced after the BN supreme council meeting, and Najib, who is the coalition's chairperson and Umno president, said the decision was made based on consensus.

BN component parties, including those in Sarawak, have been opposed to the matter.

However, Najib was coy when asked if this meant BN MPs would not support or vote for the bill when it is tabled.

"Maybe there will be a vote, or not. Up to the speaker's instructions," he said.

BN component parties have hailed the decision, but does it mean that the issue is shelved?