ACT355: Deferral will give ample time to understand amendment

While answering the critics, the decision to debate the bill next year will also give a chance to PAS to study new arising issues or discuss further on the topic

KOTA BARU: Kelantan PAS is hopeful that having the Private Member's Bill deferred to next year will give ample time for both supporters and critics alike to understand the reason behind the move to amend the Syariah Courts (Criminal Jurisdiction) Act 1965.

Its secretary Datuk Che Abdullah Mat Nawi said since it has been moved to May, the party should have enough time and space to answer all the criticism and explain to everyone, especially non-Muslims who were not supportive of the move.

"While answering the critics, the decision to debate the bill next year will also give a chance to PAS to study new arising issues or discuss further on the topic," he said today.

"PAS hoped that after this, there will be no more excuses from critics saying they do not understand the reason for the party to amend the Act.

He congratulated PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang for bringing the motion of the bill successfully at the recent Parliament sitting.

The bill seeks to amend the Act, also known as Act 355, to empower Islamic courts to enforce punishment, except for the death penalty, provided in Syariah laws for Islamic offences listed under state jurisdiction in the Federal Constitution.

Syariah court punishments are currently limited to jail terms not exceeding three years, whipping of not more than six strokes, or fines of not more than RM5,000.

Source: http://www.nst.com.my/news/2016/11/192587/act-355-deferral-will-give-ample-time-understand-amendment?m=1