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Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has urged against politicizing the Federal Court's decision to invalidate 16 provisions in the Kelantan Syariah Criminal Code Enactment (1) 2019. Stressing that the decision pertains to legislative provisions passed by the Kelantan State Legislative Assembly (DUN) and not the jurisdiction of the Syariah Court, Ahmad Zahid emphasized the need to maintain a non-political stance on this matter.
While he expressed openness to discussions among Muslim Members of Parliament to empower Syariah laws, he emphasized the importance of avoiding political agendas. Ahmad Zahid stated that discussions should focus on generating ideas rather than turning the matter into a political agenda or initiating conversations when it's too late.
During a visit for the Chinese New Year, Ahmad Zahid, who is also the Bagan Datuk MP, responded to an invitation by Kelantan PAS Deputy Commissioner II, Datuk Mohd Amar Nik Abdullah. The invitation urged all parties, particularly Muslim MPs, to engage in discussions on strengthening Syariah laws.
The Federal Court's decision on February 9, with an 8-1 majority, declared 16 provisions of offences under the Kelantan Syariah Criminal Code Enactment (1) 2019 null and void. The ruling was based on the grounds that the State Legislature lacked the authority to enact laws on these offences due to existing federal laws covering the same matters.
The decision was made following a petition by Nik Elin Zurina Nik Abdul Rashid and her daughter, Tengku Yasmin Nastasha Abdul Rahman. They challenged the constitutionality and legality of 18 provisions of offences under the enactment.
In response to queries about a potential Cabinet meeting following the Federal Court's decision, Ahmad Zahid stated that there were no current plans to bring up the matter in the Cabinet. The situation is evolving, and it remains to be seen how stakeholders will respond to the court's decision in the ongoing discourse around Syariah laws.
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