Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia president Muhyiddin Yassin has urged PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang's proposed amendments to the Syariah Courts (Criminal Jurisdiction) Act 1965, or Act 355, to include safeguards.

He raised caution over the proposed amendments, which will increase the maximum punishment in the Syariah Courts from three years' imprisonment, RM5,000 fine and six lashes to 30 years' imprisonment, RM100,000 fine and 100 lashes, could lead to overzealousness.

"I raise this because I am worried that if we are not careful in this, there would be those who are ideologically and religiously overzealous, leading to a tendency to recklessly punish syariah offenders without considering the aspect of justice in Islam," he said.

He added that such an approach may result in Islam being wrongly viewed as a punitive religion.

Muhyiddin indicated that he was not opposed to the amending Act 355 but wants Abdul Hadi's bill to be reviewed to address the concerns he raised.

"To this end, it would be appropriate for the form and limit of punishment in the bill to be reviewed and improved.

"A safeguard must be included in the bill to ensure offenders are punished in a fair and proportionate manner based on Syariah law," he said.

Educate, not just punish

As an example, Muhyiddin said the current punishment in certain states for a Muslim male who does not perform Friday prayers for three continuous times without valid reason would face up to six months imprisonment or a fine of up to RM1,000, or both.

He said there needs to be assurances that the punishment for this offence and other similar offences would not be increased disproportionately if Abdul Hadi's proposed amendment to significantly increase the punishment cap is passed.

Echoing the views of PKR de facto leader Anwar Ibrahim, Muhyiddin also said that the proposed amendments should cover other aspects and not only focusing on punishments as proposed by Abdul Hadi.

For example, he said the Syariah Courts should be allowed to compel offenders to do community service or having to go to Friday prayers as punishment.

Muhyiddin such forms of punishment for those not going to Friday prayers or not fasting during Ramadan was more suitable as the purpose was to educate and not punitive action.

Other areas need fixing too

He said the strengthening of the Syariah Courts should also cover the administrative aspect, such as improving the competency and professionalism of court officers, judges as well as prosecutors.

"If the views I raised are considered, then I will have no objections to supporting the bill when it is debated and put to a vote at the next Parliament sitting.

"What is important to be is the tabling of the bill must be for the good of Muslims and should not be seen through other perspectives including politics," he said.

As a whole, Muhyiddin said he believed the proposed amendments to Act 355 was within the framework of the Federal Constitution as it was not introducing new laws.

He also reiterated that the law does not apply to non-Muslims nor can it be applied on theft, robbery and murder, among others, which is covered by civil law.