Zahid: Proposed changes not backdoor to have hudud

THE proposed changes to the Syariah Courts (Criminal Jurisdiction) Act is not a backdoor way to implement hudud as suggested by the Opposition, said Umno vice-president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

He reiterated that the suggested amendments would not impact non-Muslims as they cannot be tried under the Syariah Courts.

“Therefore, to my friends in the component parties, do not be influenced by the Opposition’s script, such as that of the DAP which rejects anything that is good done by the Malays although it is for the common good.”

“I urge all component members to play a more positive role, by helping the Chinese, Indian, Sikh, Iban, Kadazan and the others to be aware and not be duped by the ringleader, DAP,” he said.

As the Barisan Nasional chief whip, he said he would meet all non-Muslim MPs to explain the Act.

“We will be forming a Parliamentary Select Committee soon,” he added.

Earlier, several delegates spoke about the Act.

Pahang delegate Datuk Syed Ibrahim Syed Ahmad said Umno should give its full backing to the Private Member’s Bill initiated by PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang on amendments to the Syariah court penalties.

Syed Ibrahim claimed that there was initially no such law to empower Syariah courts, until it was proposed by the Government and agreed on by then PAS president, the late Mohd Asri Muda.

“And today, it is only fair that we all support the Bill so that it will be accepted by all,” he said while debating a motion on religion and education.

On a separate matter, Syed Ibrahim urged the party leadership to create a central body for the various syariah legal bodies in the states.

“When they go from one state to another now, it is different.

“If it is standardised, it will give more confidence to the people,” he said.

Syamsul Amri Ismail, a Negri Sembilan delegate, said Umno members as Muslims should support laws which were in line with Islamic principles.