Hudud implementation and its ramifications
ON MARCH 19, 2015, the Kelantan State Assembly finally and unanimously adopted the Syariah Criminal Code II 1993 (Amendment 2015) Bill, marking the start of the formal implementation of hudud law in that state.
Among other happenings said to be associated with that date (2015.03.19) are:
(1) It marks a historic day for Malaysia.
(2) It is a turning point for Malaysia.
(3) It reveals the Islamic reformation in Malaysia.
(4) It will change the face of Malaysian society.
(5) It will change the political structure of Malaysia.
After Kelantan, which state will be next? Johor? Terengganu? Malacca? Or Selangor? Obviously, based on Kelantan’s current political situation, we can see how crucial the Rulers’ say is in this matter.
Even in Malay society, there is a gap between the liberals and conservatives. Whether it’s Umno, PAS or the Malays in PKR, the Malays are seriously divided on this issue. When the state government of Kelantan announced plans to table the Syariah Criminal Code II 1993 (Amendment 2015) Bill in parliament, it touched off a lot of controversies. Not only did opposition parties like DAP and PKR said no to the idea but even the Barisan Nasional’s Malaysian People’s Movement Party, MCA as well as domestic groups from the Chinese community strongly opposed it. However, in the end, at the opening ceremony of the third-term 13th Kelantan state assembly, the Sultan of Kelantan expressed the hope that the implementation of hudud law could be set to tune with one beat. Kelantan Deputy Menteri Besar Datuk Mohth Amar Nik Abdullah said he hoped the decision could receive the 100 per cent support from the members.
The Islamic world also consists of a variety of denominations. When compared to each other in sense of theology and law, there are obvious differences. Other than the familiar Sunni and Shia, there are other factions too. Many Middle Eastern countries encounter conflicts just because of this intense sectarian struggle. At the same time, competition among such nations does not stop too.
Once Islamisation starts at home, not only could contradictions among the domestic sects arise but they could also become another contentious issue for the world’s variety of Islamic denominations. Once caught in this struggle of religious sects, peace could be elusive.
Some former high-ranking Umno members and the opposition have taken the opportunity, created by the 1MDB storm, to launch a full offensive. Can the government save the day? What happens next month will be crucial.
According to the observations of party leaders, the Prime Minister’s stand on Islamisation in the country is still not very clear so far. When faced with such powerful rivals and when the times are stronger than men, will he make a sharp turn and adopt measures to win the support of the conservative forces in order to turn the tide?
Last Thursday, the non-Malay component parties of the Barisan Nasional held a rare press conference and declared their full support for the Prime Minister. Coming out with such a sudden move at this point in time – what possible message does it convey?