PUTRAJAYA: The Private Member’s Bill to amend the Syariah Courts (Criminal Jurisdiction) Act tabled by Marang MP Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang in the Dewan Rakyat is not intended to create new laws, said Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Jamil Khir Baharom (pic).
He said the proposed amendment to Act 355 was aimed at strengthening the existing jurisdictions of the Syariah Courts in line with current developments, and was firmly based on recognised sources in Islam.
“This amendment will increase the penalties of the Syariah Court, which has not been enhanced for a long time,” he said in a statement yesterday, adding that the current punishment which was limited to a maximum fine of RM5,000, up to three years jail and six strokes of the cane were among the matters to be debated.
Jamil Khir explained that the proposed amendments were only applicable to Muslims in the country, and would not affect non-Muslims, as people of other faiths had the right under the Constitution to practise their respective religions in peace and harmony.
“It also has nothing to do with the Kelantan Syariah Criminal Code II Enactment, which has been tabled in the Kelantan State Assembly before this,” he added.
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