GEORGETOWN: All parties need to accept the decision of the Federal Court declaring 16 out of 18 provisions in the Kelantan Sharia Criminal Code Enactment (I) 2019 null and void.
Penang Mufti Datuk Seri Dr Wan Salim Wan Mohd Noor said, on the contrary, if there are parties dissatisfied with the decision, they can seek ways to validate the annulled provisions legally.
"As the saying goes, 'where there's a will, there's a way,' so try seeking assistance from legal experts to formulate provisions of the Kelantan State Sharia Enactment that do not conflict with the Federal Constitution.
"It is also aimed at ensuring that the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) is not considered to be acting beyond its jurisdiction," he said in a statement here yesterday.
Further commenting, Wan Salim opined that those most suitable to provide views on the issue are those directly involved in the legal profession.
"If one wants to know the mufti's opinion, I believe the Kelantan Mufti is the most appropriate person to consult on this issue, given its close association with Sharia law in that state.
"There's an Arabic proverb that says 'the people of Mecca know its alleys better,' but as someone not versed in the legal field, this is just my personal view," he added.
According to Wan Salim, Malaysia is a country that practices a Parliamentary Democracy System in its governance.
"This system allows citizens to express their opinions and preferences through peaceful channels that do not contravene the law.
"This includes organising gatherings for a particular cause," he said.
Meanwhile, Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainuddin said in a statement that he would seek an audience with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim to submit a special memorandum following the decision.
The Larut MP also intends to meet with the Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, who chairs the National Council for Islamic Religious Affairs (MKI).
Hamzah said these developments indicate weaknesses in the jurisdiction regarding the rights to practice the majority of Malaysians.
"This issue should not be politicised by any party; instead, let's collectively consider effective ways to uphold the position of Islamic law in this country," Wan Salim said.