View move in positive light, say some Umno MPs

KUALA LUMPUR: Several Umno lawmakers said the move to table the PAS Private Member’s Bill on hudud should be seen in a positive light.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said said the Bill was meant to strengthen the role and power of the Syariah Court.

“The fact that the Government agreed to expedite the Bill (in the Order Paper) reflects our openness in allowing Private Member’s Bills to be tabled in Parliament.

“It is in line with our efforts for parliamentary reform,” she said in a statement.

Azalina, who is in charge of parliamentary affairs, said this was not the first time a Private Member’s Bill had been allowed to be introduced in Parliament.

“On Dec 5, 1988, the Gua Musang MP (Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah) had brought a Bill to amend the Societies Act 1966. It was debated in Parliament and eventually, it was voted on as well,” she said.

Tan Sri Annuar Musa (BN-­Ketereh) asked MPs to allow the PAS Bill to be debated.

“This is a Private Member’s Bill proposing certain sections of the syariah law to be amended.

“It is a minor amendment but the implications can be quite big.

“So, I think we should give a chance for both the Government and Opposition side to give their views and debate on it,” he added.

Anuar said it also showed that Barisan Nasional and PAS were able to set aside their political differen­ces in matters where they championed the interests of the people and religion.

“Our stand is to support the proposal as it has been raised a long time ago.

“We feel it is something associated with the interests of Muslims in particular. We feel there is merit in allowing the tabling of the Bill,” he added.