Lau Weng San (DAP-Kampung Tunku) reminded the state opposition that Sulaiman Abdul Razak (BN-Permatang) did not take part in a debate on the Islamic Law Enactment bill on April 7, 2015,

“Minutes of the meeting show that only two assemblymen took part in the debate last year, namely Saari Sungib (Amanah-Hulu Kelang) and Khairuddin Othman (PAS-Paya Jaras).

“Where were BN assemblymen then (during the debate), if they are so concerned about strengthening the role of shariah courts?” Lau said in a statement today.

Lau was responding to Sulaiman expressing disappointment yesterday after his motion to strengthen the position of shariah courts at the state assembly sitting was rejected by Speaker Hannah Yeoh.

The motion was to address various issues affecting the shariah courts, such as a huge backlog and poor maintenance of court structures, and also to elevate the state’s shariah courts by introducing two additional tiers to its current three, making it equivalent to the civil courts’ five tiers.

In rejecting the motion, Yeoh said the status of shariah courts in the state had already been elevated by initiatives such as the appointment of the first female shariah judge in the country, and the institution will continue to be strengthened.

Yeoh also said that the motion contravened the separation of powers practised in the state, as shariah courts were under the judiciary, and not subject to legislative jurisdiction.

Lau said Sulaiman was merely seeking publicity by voicing out his motion’s rejection.

“The Speaker (Yeoh) acted fairly when she rejected the motion according to House Rules.

“BN assemblymen should not use the rejection of the motion to elicit sympathy from the public and to gain some media attention,” Lau added.