Speaking at a press conference, Amanah MP Siti Mariah Mahmud said the motion was rejected under Section 23 (1)(h) of the House’s meeting rules.
Section 23 (1)(h) bars lawmakers from asking questions to gain an opinion as a solution to an abstract or hypothetical legal case.
“That was the reason I was given. The reason has to do with asking questions, but the motion is not a question,” Siti said.
Asked if she would appeal the decision, Siti said there was no point. “The Speaker has said that it is a final decision.”
On October 11, Amanah tabled an alternative proposal that also supports the expansion of the shariah courts’ range of punishments, but is markedly different from PAS’s proposal in Parliament.
The bill envisions a review of the limits of punishments that the shariah courts can impose as part of the overall enhancement of its powers and status.
Amanah Communications Director Khalid Samad said the counter proposal was far better than Hadi’s existing bill, which was not effective in describing exactly what was intended and which, therefore, could be misconstrued.
“This proposal is tonnes better as it is more detailed, encompasses a wider spectrum than just increasing punishments and can be accepted by all,” he had said.