‘Come Clean On Hudud Sitting’

(NST) – POLEMICS on hudud have worsened in the opposition fold, with PKR seeming to side with DAP to oppose Pas’ ambition to implement Islamic criminal law in Kelantan.

PKR central committee senior member Latheefa Koya yesterday questioned the rationale of a special sitting of the Kelantan assembly on Dec 29 to table an amendment to an enactment relating to the implementation of hudud law.

The lawyer-turned-firebrand politician demanded Pas president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang and Kelantan Menteri Besar Datuk Ahmad Yakob explain the “sudden call” to hold the sitting.

“Why the sudden urgency? And why the necessity to hold a special sitting to deal with this matter? Pas leader Hadi Awang and the Kelantan menteri besar must come clean on why this sitting was called.”

On Monday, PKR de facto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim was reported to have told an online news portal that the Kelantan government’s move to table the amendment could be problematic; federal laws would have to be amended to allow for the implementation of hudud.

Latheefa said the move was a ploy between Barisan Nasional and Pas, in order to distract public attention from 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB).

“It is strange that the announcement was made just when BN is under tremendous pressure over 1MDB. Is there an agenda to distract public attention from the 1MDB crisis and substitute it with a perceived DAP-Pas conflict?”

Latheefa urged the Kelantan government to focus on its struggles against BN rather than enforcing Islamic law.

“Pas should get its priorities straight, particularly in view of the increasing economic troubles faced by the people of this country.

“It should strive for a higher maqasid (goals) of the syariah to preserve human dignity, freedom, social welfare and human fraternity, rather than constantly reducing the concept of justice under Islam to merely harsh punishment.”

She said Pas’ insistence to proceed with the sitting would tarnish the image of Islam.

“Pas insistence to proceed with the special sitting will prolong unnecessary conflict, misunderstanding and highly politicised debate on hudud which will perpetuate the misconception of justice under Islam. And this only brings fitnah (slander) upon the image of Islam.”

Pas Youth chief Suhaizan Kaiat responded, saying Latheefa’s suggestion that Pas was forming a secret alliance with BN was misleading and could prompt a negative perception of the opposition pact.

He denied that the special sitting was to distract public attention from 1MDB.

“Latheefa’s insinuation that Pas and BN are having an ‘affair’ is wrong. It can result in negative perception among the public and taint the opposition’s image.

“The Kelantan government’s move to hold the special sitting is a responsibility towards religion and the people. It has nothing to do with 1MDB.”

Pas ulama council vice-chief Datuk Mahfodz Mohamed expressed disappointment over the “failure of a fellow Muslim” to understand the importance of upholding Islamic law.

“If she (Latheefa) does not agree with Islamic law, then she should not voice her opinion publicly as it could hurt the religion’s image.

“I would understand if DAP wants to reject hudud… They are not Muslims. But now we have a Muslim questioning Islamic law. That should not happen,” said Mahfodz.

Meanwhile, Pas ulama council information chief Datuk Dr Mohd Khairuddin Aman Razali at-Takiri described DAP’s unceasing rejection of Pas’ endeavours to enforce hudud in Kelantan of unbecoming as a coalition partner. He said it was a continuation of the Pas-DAP row during the Selangor menteri besar crisis.

“Pas’ objective to uphold Islamic law in Kelantan, including hudud, is not something that can be compromised. The enactment was passed by the Kelantan assembly in 1993 and in Terengganu in 2002 (when Pas took over the state in 1999), before Pakatan was formed.

“Pas respects the democratic right of DAP to disagree. Nevertheless, DAP’s stance to continuously question Pas’ right to implement laws in Kelantan is dreadful. It is an attempt to further damage the relationships between parties in Pakatan.”