KUALA LUMPUR: Those who have expressed their opposition to Pas' Private Member's Bill should stop wasting their breath in belittling the Islamic party's effort, said Pas president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang.
Instead, the Marang member of parliament said, the opposing parties should review the "ancient law" of hanging.
"Instead of polluting our efforts to empower Syariah courts, it would be better if you discuss about the punishment of hanging people. It's such an ancient law.
"They should discuss about this, and not question Islamic law when they have no in-depth knowledge on the subject," Hadi said to a cheering crowd during the RUU355 mega gathering held at Padang Merbok here today.
Pas is currently seeking to amend the Syariah Courts (Criminal Jurisdiction) Act 1965 to empower the Syariah Courts. The first reading of the bill was done by Hadi during the last session of the Dewan Rakyat last year.
The bill seeks to amend the Act, also known as Act 355 or RUU355, to empower Islamic courts to enforce punishment, except for the death penalty, provided in Syariah laws for Islamic offences listed under state jurisdiction in the Federal Constitution.
Hadi pointed out that it is high time that the Bill is amended as it has never been put up for amendment from when it was first implemented.
"It's been more than half a century since we gained independence. It's time we consider it because it's old. It should've been done a long time ago.”
Hadi in his speech also reiterated that Act 355 will not affect the rights of non-Muslims as it is against the Federal Constitution to do so.
"It's already been stated that Syariah law only applies to Muslims and that non-Muslims cannot be punished under Syariah.
"And this is not just the Federal Constitution talking, it is also stated in the Quran. The Quran guarantees freedom of religion. It is a sin for Muslims to chastise non-Muslims.
"So really, there's no reason for the non-Muslims to oppose RUU355.”