The draft amendment to Kelantan’s Syariah Criminal Code Enactment is in its final review stage and is expected to be tabled at the state assembly in April
KOTA BHARU: The draft amendment to the Kelantan Syariah Criminal Code Enactment is in its final stage.
State Islamic Development, Dakwah, Information and Regional Relations Committee chairman Mohd Asri Mat Daud said it is expected to be tabled at the State Legislative Assembly sitting in April.
He said the draft amendment is currently under review by the Jemaah Ulama of the Kelantan Islamic Religious and Malay Customs Council (MAIK).
Once completed, the proposed amendment will be presented to the State Executive Council for finalisation.
Mohd Asri said most preparation for the amendments had been completed since last year. He added that several aspects still required improvement before being finalised.
The review involves a thorough study by various authoritative parties. These include the state mufti, the Jemaah Ulama, and a panel of appointed lawyers.
“This matter was also discussed at the state executive council meeting, and an action plan, or blueprint, will be prepared to ensure its smooth implementation,” he said. Mohd Asri was speaking at the Iftar Perdana with the media programme.
The State Legislative Assembly had previously approved a motion to re-legislate the 16 offences. These offences were in the Syariah Criminal Code Enactment (1) the State of Kelantan 2019.
The Federal Court declared these 16 offences null and void on Feb 9, 2024. A panel of nine judges led by Chief Justice Tun Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat delivered an 8-1 majority decision.
The court annulled the enactment after allowing a petition by lawyer Nik Elin Zurina Nik Abdul Rashid and her daughter, Tengku Yasmin Nastasha Tengku Abdul Rahman.
