THE Kelantan state government has reiterated its commitment to re-enacting the 16 provisions of the Syariah Criminal Offences Enactment (I) Kelantan 2019 that were annulled by the Federal Court last February, said Menteri Besar Datuk Mohd Nassuruddin Daud.
Recall that in March, the Kelantan State Legislative Assembly had unanimously passed a motion for the re-enactment of the provisions which were deemed unconstitutional and invalid for enforcement in the state.
“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,” he said.
“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.”
Mohd Nassaruddin was speaking to reporters at the launch of a convention on strengthening Syariah institutions and laws in Kota Bharu on Tuesday (May 21), which was also attended by PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang and Deputy Menteri Besar Datuk Dr Mohamed Fadzli Hassan.
According to Mohd Nassuruddin, 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 behaviours,” he stated.
“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.”
On Feb 9, the Federal Court had struck down 16 out of 18 provisions under the Kelantan Syariah criminal enactment as unconstitutional, ruling that the Kelantan State Legislature does not have the power to enact laws on said offences because there are federal laws covering the same.
Chief Justice Tun Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat, who is leading a nine-member panel of judges, delivered the majority verdict of 8-1 in the constitutional challenge filed by two Muslim women.
Chief Judge of Sabah and Sarawak Tan Sri Abdul Rahman Sebli was the only judge who dissented or disagreed with the majority. – May 21, 2024
