KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri Dr Mujahid Yusof Rawa has called on Pas to be honest with regards to the Federal Court's judgement on the petition of Nik Elin Zurina Nik Abdul Rashid rather than use it as political fodder.
The former religious affairs minister said the Islamic party should acknowledge that the decision by the court signifies the weakness of the Kelantan State Legislative Assembly which approved the provisions in the Kelantan Sharia Criminal Enactment.
"Pas should clarify to its followers and Muslims about the Federal Court's judgment on the petition of Nik Elin Zurina Nik Abdul Rashid.
"It is better for Pas to be honest rather than use this decision as political fodder that undermines the harmony of the country's laws." said Mujahid on a statement in Facebook.
Mujahid said many among Pas MPs and state assembly members should take on the role of explaining how the legislative process is conducted and what powers are provided by the Federal Constitution, to which all MPs and assembly members swear allegiance to defend.
"Pas should acknowledge that the decision to invalidate 16 provisions in the Kelantan Sharia Criminal Enactment signifies the weakness of the Kelantan State Legislative Assembly or State Legislative Assembly (DUN) which, without careful consideration, approved several provisions in the enactment that clearly exceeded its legislative jurisdiction as stated in the judgment of the Chief Justice," he said.
He added that Pas should take the spirit of the decision by improving the process of making Sharia criminal laws more carefully and should accept advice by respecting the existing power provisions in the State Legislative Assembly where every assembly member swears to protect and defend it when they are elected by the people.
"Worse still, Pas has confused its followers and some Muslims by claiming that the Sharia Court is threatened and challenged. Some say that Allah's law is abolished at the will of liberal groups. This is a lie that can stir up hostility and hatred, undermining the harmony of the country and disrespecting the Constitution," he added.