Jamil, who spoke to thousands of PAS supporters gathered at Padang Merbok in the city centre today, said he spoke to the Umno president before attending the rally to get his blessing.

Jamil’s deputy, Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki was also present at today’s gathering, a show of strength by PAS and Muslim groups to give wider powers to shariah courts in the country.

On Friday, MCA secretary-general Ong Ka Chuan said Jamil’s attendance was not sanctioned by the government or Barisan Nasional (BN).

PAS and Umno have many times declared they have no problems to join hands for Islamic issues, and top leaders from Umno have expressed support for the private member’s bill tabled by PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang, to amend the Shariah Courts (Criminal Jurisdiction) Act 1965.

In his speech, Jamil said Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi had also “sent his regards” to rally goers.

The bill seeks to increase maximum punishment for shariah offences to 30 years’ jail, fine of up to RM100,000 and up to 100 strokes of the cane.

Jamil questioned those who opposed wider powers for shariah courts.

“In the past, this was not an issue in parliament. No one had any problems, but in 2016 and 2017, we need to organise a rally. Why has it become so difficult?”