KOTA BARU: The state government is committed to re-enacting the 16 provisions in the Syariah Criminal Offences Enactment (I) Kelantan 2019 that were annulled by the Federal Court last February, Menteri Besar Datuk Mohd Nassuruddin Daud said.
"Once again, I would like to stress that the Kelantan state government is committed to re-enacting the 16 provisions that were annulled (by the Federal Court in February), as per the motion passed during the State Legislative Assembly in March.
"As a government that places Islam at the core of its administration, we cannot remain silent in the face of efforts by certain parties who, day by day, seek any opportunity to challenge anything related to the agenda of upholding Islamic principles, especially in the aspects of law and syariah institutions.
"Obstacles and challenges that arise will not weaken our spirit in any way," Nassuruddin said in his speech at the launching of a convention on strengthening syariah institutions and laws here today.
Present were Pas president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang and Deputy Menteri Besar Datuk Dr Mohamed Fadzli Hassan.
Nassuruddin said all Muslims are obliged to obey, submit and devote themselves to Allah's commands.
"Matters involving prayer, fasting, zakat (tithe) and pilgrimage do not raise doubts or questions. However, when it comes to efforts to uphold Allah's laws as part of life, we have witnessed the emergence of various behaviors.
"There are those who accept it, and there are those who voice various arguments and reasons for not implementing it. These are the remnants of colonial influence on our native generation.
"Our collective role at every level is to correct misunderstandings and dispel the doubts that arise so that the people in the state have a clear understanding of Islam," he said.
It was reported that the Kelantan State Assembly, on March 16, passed a motion to re-enact the annulled 16 provisions.
Presented by Melor assemblyman Wan Rohimi Wan Daud, the motion was passed after it was agreed by all assemblymen, including two opposition state assemblyman from Pakatan Harapan and Umno.