PERIKATAN Nasional (PN) has unveiled plans to establish a dedicated committee aimed at exploring measures to fortify the position of Shariah law and safeguard the interests of Muslims in Malaysia.
This decision follows the recent Federal Court ruling that struck down 16 provisions within the Kelantan Syariah Criminal Code (I) Enactment 2019.
PN chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin disclosed that the coalition will also convene a roundtable discussion to address this pertinent issue.
“The roundtable will be led by PAS vice-president Idris Ahmad and the committee by PAS secretary-general Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan,” said the former premier.
The committee will involve constitutional experts, Islamic scholars, and other relevant stakeholders to deliberate on potential solutions.
“PN takes the Federal Court’s decision seriously as it will have significant implications on the position and scope of Shariah law in Malaysia,” added the Pagoh MP.
According to him, the decision to establish the roundtable and committee was reached during a recent meeting of the PN Supreme Council last night (Feb 14).
Last Friday, the Federal Court in an 8-1 majority decision invalidated 16 Shariah enactment provisions deeming them unconstitutional.
Chief Justice Tun Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat delivering the verdict pointed out that the state assembly lacked the authority to pass these provisions as they pertained to offences covered under federal law.
This ruling underscores the Federal Court’s assertion that the 16 provisions encroached upon matters falling within the jurisdiction of federal law, thereby nullifying the state assembly’s capacity to enact such regulations.
Moreover, Takiyuddin expressed concern over the court’s decision, labelling it a “dark day” for Muslims in Malaysia and warning of potential repercussions on Shariah laws in other states.
Simultaneously, Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah who chairs the national council for Islamic affairs urged respect for the Federal Court’s verdict and the Federal Constitution. He cautioned against exploiting the situation for vested interests, which he believed had led to confusion among Muslims in the country.
While acknowledging Takiyuddin’s concerns, Sultan Sharafuddin refrained from escalating the polemic further.
Meanwhile, Muhyiddin announced that Labu assemblyman Hanifah Abu Baker had been appointed as the PN Negri Sembilan chairman.
Hanifah, who was made Negri Sembilan Bersatu chief last month, takes over the post from Bersatu deputy president Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu. – Feb 15, 2024
Main photo credit: Utusan
