This was the question posed by MCA central committee member Ti Lian Ker, when responding to the suggestion by Khairil Nizam Khirudin of PAS Youth that the Islamic criminal code would have a “preventive” effect and would therefore be a better measure to reduce the crime rate in the country.

In his argument against the suggestion, Ti said Shariah law would “not make any difference” as there were already federal laws in place aimed at preventing crime such as gun crimes.

Islamic Renaissance Front (IRF) director Dr Ahmad Farouk Musa shared Ti’s sentiments, adding that there was no empirical data to suggest Shariah law would reduce the rate of gun crimes in the country.

“It is purely a delusional idea without any facts or data to support such a claim.

“It is more of a spinal reflex to say that Shariah law will reduce the crime rate when more research should be conducted on why there is a rise in crime, not (why there should be) harsher punishment,” Farouk told FMT.

On Wednesday, a man in Setapak was shot dead by two others in a drive-by shooting.

The man, who was in his car at the time, was shot dead in broad daylight, adding to a long list of other such killings that have taken place in the country of late.