Anwar backs hudud in Kelantan
(The Malaysian Insider) – Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today threw his weight behind Kelantan’s longstanding plans to implement hudud, saying that the laws proposed by the PAS government protected the rights of non-Muslims.
The Pakatan Rakyat (PR) de facto leader stressed however that PR had not discussed the matter and this was only a “personal opinion”.
“For now, in general, in principle, I believe this can be implemented. Looking at the specific areas, and there is clear guarantee that there is administration of justice.
“It does not in any way infringe on the rights of non-Muslims,” Anwar told reporters outside the Jalan Duta courthouse here.
He explained that Kelantan’s hudud law plans were “specific” and it covered two important aspects — a fair administration according to Islamic law and ensuring that the rights of non-Muslims are protected.
“It is a specific area that affects Muslims and does not impeach rights of non-Muslims. The proceeding makes sure that administration of justice is guaranteed,” he said.
Kelantan Mentri Besar Datuk Nik Aziz Nik Mat has challenged Datuk Seri Najib Razak to withdraw any objections the federal government still had over Kelantan’s longstanding plans to implement hudud.
He dismissed as laughable suggestions that Kelantan could now go ahead to implement hudud in the state now that Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad was no longer the prime minister.
Dr Mahathir, the former prime minister, had previously written to the Kelantan mentri besar to inform him that the state did not have a right to implement hudud, which prescribes stoning, whipping and amputation as punishment for criminal offences.
But in remarks released through his Facebook page today, Nik Aziz pointed out that the letter from Dr Mahathir remained valid.
Anwar also challenged Najib to state his stand on the matter.
