In a statement, PAS secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan said MCCBCHST had not provided any evidence of how the proposed amendments would impact non-Muslims in the country.
“Does MCCBCHST want to assume the role of a busybody or ‘ghost intermeddler’, as previously stated in several Federal Court judgments on the same issue, as such actions will only arouse deep suspicions about the true intentions and motives of the council itself?” he asked.
“Like it or not, the true motives and agenda of the interfaith council are left in question, potentially fostering disharmony in the context of racial and religious relations.”
Takiyuddin was responding to the council’s statement on Tuesday, calling the proposed amendments to Act 355 “unconstitutional”.
MCCBHST said granting shariah courts enhanced sentencing powers would allow hudud-related offences such as theft, robbery, adultery, sodomy and intoxication, to be adjudicated under Islamic criminal law.
The group claimed that the offences are already part of the Ninth Schedule’s List I (Federal List) of the Federal Constitution, which would render such “additional powers” unconstitutional.
In his statement, Takiyuddin also criticised the timing of MCCBCHST’s objections during Ramadan as insensitive and potentially disruptive to Muslims’ religious obligations.
“To PAS, this is not only an outrageous and provocative action, but can be seen as an act of inciting hostility. It is entirely unacceptable in a country that upholds the ideals of unity and harmony among its people.
“PAS asserts that the proposed amendments to Act 355 are not contrary to any provisions or the fundamental structure of the Federal Constitution, and are valid and constitutional,” he said.
The Kota Bahru MP said that as an interfaith council, MCCBCHST must not interfere or be perceived as interfering in Islamic affairs.
“It is also important to remember that the rights and freedom of religion, as guaranteed by the Federal Constitution, also encompass Islam and must be respected by all quarters,” he added.
He called on Putrajaya for an immediate response to MCCBCHST’s statement and appropriate action to be taken against the group.