Pas to call for hudud, qisas if merger happens

KOTA BARU: Pas will propose the implementation of hudud and qisas if the proposed Pas-Umno merger materialises.

Speaking after launching a building fund for the Baraah mosque, here yesterday, Pas spiritual leader Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat said the proposal was in line with Islamic principles and could be implemented if both parties, which are currently having discussions on Malay and Muslim issues, agreed to form a new political entity.

In Islamic law (syariah), hudud refers to mandatory corporal punishments for certain crimes, including theft, robbery, illicit sex, alcohol consumption and apostasy.

Qisas (law of retaliation) refers to offences that involve bodily injury or loss of life. The punishment for these offences is death or imprisonment, but compensation in the form of money or property is accepted if the victim's guardian forgives the offender.

Nik Aziz, who is also menteri besar, said in the muqabalah spirit between Pas and Umno, any new political entity must be based on Islam, including implementing hudud.

"What worries me is that if the pact materialises, there'll be people trying to sabotage it by putting up a candidate who is against the proposal."

He said all quarters, including Malays, Chinese and Indians should hold discussions and give their views towards better understanding of Islam.

However, he said what was important was ensuring the success of the Pas-Umno dialogue before discussing the future of the Muslim community.

In Putrajaya, Information Minister Datuk Ahmad Shabery Cheek said Nik Aziz's suggestion could be an excuse not to continue with the muqabalah.

"It is just a proposal by one leader and we should not take it as a final decision but I wonder what is the intention of raising hudud?

"Does Pas want to talk to Umno honestly or not? If one is not sincere, one can come up with a hundred excuses.

"If hudud is a condition Pas wants to set in order to continue with the talks, why do they only set conditions when talking to Umno but not with their Pakatan Rakyat partners?" Ahmad Shabery, who is also Kemaman Umno division deputy head, said.

He also questioned whether DAP had a "secret pact" with Pas on accepting hudud, since DAP had previously stated its objection to the proposal.

Ahmad Shabery said the issue of Pas re-joining Umno was not on the cards as the talks were about Malay unity.

-TMB