DPM: Experts can find a positive solution

(The Star) – Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin has suggested that a national-level hudud technical committee be formed to iron out any issues that are connected to the Islamic capital punishment that Kelantan intends to enforce in the state.

The Deputy Prime Minister said the committee would come up with findings on the issue, adding the matter is complex and concerns both Muslims and non-Muslims.

“There are many aspects to be looked into and these include implementation of the law, the mechanism to be enforced, the manpower to hear the cases and other related components of the laws.

“That is why I want to suggest for a national level committee to be set up so that experts from various fields can give their input in a collective manner to come to a conclusion or solution that could be practised,” he told reporters after opening a seminar of professional management of education at the state Education Technology Department in Pengkalan Chepa, near here, yesterday.

Muhyiddin, who is also Education Minister, said the state government’s push forhudud has a serious impact on the country although the syariah law would only be implemented at the Kelantan state level.

He said he conveyed this to state Deputy Mentri Besar Datuk Mohd Amar Nik Abdullah and that he had given a “positive response” to the suggestion.

“He (Mohd Amar) said he will refer the matter to the state executive council to discuss my suggestion,” added Muhyiddin.

In GEORGE TOWN, Minister at the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Jamil Khir Baharom said the people should look at the hudud issue in a wider context as they are getting the picture from only a certain point of view.

“People may view it as the chopping of hands, whipping, or even stoning. In fact, the rules, such as the one involving whipping, are different from civil punishment, and it may not be as severe as its purpose is to educate and create awareness.

“A more detailed discussion regarding its implementation must be made and it must include legal experts so that all parties can have a better understanding of it,” he said when closing a conference for imams, religious teachers and mosque committees at the Dewan Sri Penang here yesterday.