In a press statement issued on the MCA website, Heng said non-Muslims were wary that the PAS Dewan Ulama might maliciously and quietly try to expand the jurisdiction of hudud.

“PAS’s desperation in pushing for hudud must be condemned,” she said. “The public flogging form of punishment not only (violates) human rights but contradicts the Federal Constitution and existing laws.”

She added that the spirit of the law was not to humiliate offenders, but to educate them so they learnt from their mistakes and were more responsible for their own deeds and repented.

Heng also criticised the Islamist party for blaming the high divorce rate on working women.

“The PAS Dewan Ulama must be enlightened that there are many reasons, which are often complicated, (that contributed) to a failed marriage and as such, to hold working women solely responsible for divorces is utterly unfair.

“Instead, we should commend and encourage such women who take care of, contribute towards and sacrifice for both the family and society.”

Pointing out that PAS’s “uncalled for” statements on International Women’s Day, had insulted women, she said PAS must be reminded that it should not force its own values on others and that this was an era of gender equality.