Speaking to FMT, he said PAS was only seeking to increase the powers of Kelantan’s shariah courts and he saw nothing wrong with giving it a chance to justify the move.

“There is no political cooperation,” he said. “PAS is very desperate to increase the shariah courts’ punitive powers in Kelantan. Perhaps the crime rate at its state is at an intolerable level, and the current punishments are not good enough.

“Only the state government knows why they need the amendments. So we have to listen to them. It is to be implemented in their state, so we have to listen to their reasons.”

The proposal to amend the act was brought into the Dewan Rakyat through a private member’s bill by PAS President Abdul Hadi Awang. Hadi moved the bill yesterday with a slight amendment to an earlier draft. Jail sentences are now capped at 30 years, fines at RM100,000 and lashes of the cane at 100.

According to Nazri, Umno and Barisan Nasional is “very comfortable” with the current shariah penalties, with jail terms capped at three years, fines at RM5,000, and lashes at six.

“We don’t need the amendment for our states, such as Perlis, Kedah, Perak, Sabah and Sarawak, among others,” he said. “But PAS asked for it for Kelantan. So we have to hear them out.”

Many political leaders from both the opposition and BN have voiced objection to the bill, with some alleging that it will pave the way for hudud laws in Malaysia. Hadi has repeatedly denied this. He has also promised to the clear the air through a nationwide roadshow.