KUCHING: It is the right of the Kelantan government to pass the amendment of the Shariah Criminal Procedure Enactment 2002, which allows for public caning for Shariah crimes.
Furthermore, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said he believes that the amendment applies only to Muslims and will not affect non-Muslims in Kelantan.
"It's their right to pass the amendment as they have the majority (in the state government)," Ahmad Zahid said, referring to the Pas-led Kelantan state government.
"However, I understand that the Kelantan state government needs to obtain the Sultan’s consent in order to implement the law.
"Whatever decision has been made by (the Kelantan government), we need to (ensure) that it applies to Muslims in Kelantan only," he added.
Zahid said the federal government has yet to receive details on the debates which led to the passing of the amendment.
Yesterday, the Kelantan state government passed the amendment to the law, which was proposed by state Islamic Development, Dakwah and Information Committee chairman Datuk Nassuruddin Daud and seconded by state Women, Family and Welfare committee chairman Mumtaz Md Nawi.
It was reported that Deputy Menteri Besar Datuk Mohd Amar Nik Abdullah said that canings had previously only been conducted in prison.
However, with the amendment, the sentencing can be carried out in public or prison, depending on the court’s decision.
According to Pas, the amendment is in accordance with Islam, which holds that sentencing must be done in public.