PAS information chief Nasrudin Hassan was unable to control his emotions when the motion to amend the Syariah Courts (Criminal Jurisdiction) Act (Act 355) was tabled in the Dewan Rakyat today.

The live telecast of the proceedings showed Nasrudin, who was seated behind PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang, removing his spectacles to wipe his tears on several occasions.

Met by reporters later, the Temerloh MP said he was grateful that Hadi finally managed to table the motion.

“To me, when they (non-Muslim MPs) have the opportunity to listen (to the arguments), that in itself has a big meaning. They can now think about the matter in the right way.

“Before this, they made all sorts of conclusions even before hearing the matter, and what Islam wants,” he added with a smile.

Nasrudin said PAS was not pushing for the amendments in order to seek votes, but rather to uphold Islam.

“This is a first in history, although it has not been passed. We don't know how this will go (from here), but at least the arguments have been made to the MPs.

“I hope they will evaluate the points raised with an open heart and see how just Islam is,” he added.

Meanwhile, PAS deputy president Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man, who was also present in Parliament, described today as historic for the Islamist party.

“Alhamdulillah (Thanks be to God), I am grateful. I am certain PAS members are also grateful that it (the motion) has been tabled.... May Allah facilitate this,” he added.

However, Tuan Ibrahim criticised DAP for attempting to prevent the motion from being tabled.

“This is undemocratic. They should give space for debate, and then put it to vote. You cannot block it.

“I believe the people can judge DAP's action. When you hear the explanation (in support of the amendments), confusion is avoided,” he said.