BAGAN DATUK: Any discussions involving Muslim members of Parliament from both sides of the political divide can be held purely for the purpose of strengthening the position of Syariah law in the country, Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said.
The Deputy Prime Minister, however, stressed that such a discussion on the apex court ruling on Friday on the Kelantan syariah criminal enactment should not be used for the purpose of gaining political mileage.
"Discussion can be held...
"However, we must study the issue of uniting ideas and not make politics the main agenda.
"After hitting the wall, only now, do we mention wanting to call all Muslims to discuss, to talk about the issue," he told reporters after attending a Chinese New Year celebration in Taman Desa Bersatu, Simpang Empat, Hutan Melintang here, today.
Zahid, who is also Bagan Datuk member of parliament, was asked to comment on the invitation of Kelantan Pas Deputy Commissioner II, Datuk Mohd Amar Nik Abdullah, who invited all parties, especially Muslim MPs to fight for Syariah law.
On Feb 9, Chief Justice Tun Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat ruled that 16 out of the 18 provisions under the Kelantan Syariah criminal enactment, which are being challenged at the Federal Court, are unconstitutional. (hyperlink: https://www.nst.com.my/news/crime-courts/2024/02/1011445/heres-list-16-k...)
Zahid, who is also Umno president, said that Pas knew that the decision made by the Federal Court was in accordance with the provisions in the Federal Constitution.
"It is a big issue, but we feel that it is a legal issue, let alone an issue of Syariah law, it should not be a political issue as mentioned by the Prime Minister (Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim).
"This matter should have been raised in 2021 when the previous government ruled our country and in Kelantan, it was still the same government," he said.
Asked if the Cabinet would hold a meeting following the Federal Court's decision, Zahid said the matter has not been raised in the Cabinet.
"The Cabinet, as the Prime Minister mentioned, has never even discussed this issue because it is a legal issue, specifically a matter that relates to several clauses in the Constitution.
"And of course, we feel that the Federal Court is wiser in dealing with this matter. This is not a matter of administration by any government at the central level," he said.