(The Star) - Implementation of hudud should not be delayed because enforcing it is an obligation and not an option, said PAS spiritual adviser Datuk Nik Aziz Nik Mat.
“Hudud is part of the syariah legislation that is compulsory in Islam.
“To me, there is neither legal basis nor necessity based on logic to delay its enforcement.
“(And) nowhere in the world, whether in the democratic or communist systems, are laws implemented only after making the rakyat understand and accept them,'' he said on his blog.
The recent statement by the Kelantan Mentri Besar is an apparent rebuttal against calls by certain political parties that hudud could only be implemented only after creating public awareness and gaining their acceptance.
PAS leaders have stepped up their calls to implement hudud with president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang recently creating a stir by saying that the party would not forgo its plans to implement hudud.
Even his deputy president Mohamad Sabu had said that they would implement it if they had two-thirds majority support in Parliament to amend the Constitution.
PAS deputy Mursyidul Am Datuk Dr Harun Din and Perak deputy Youth chief Dr Raja Ahmad Al Hiss had also backed Hadi.
However, the polemics over hudud had prompted the Erdogans in PAS to call for an end to free airing of views on hudud in the public sphere.
PAS central committee member Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad had said that the issue would hamper the party's performance at the coming general election.
Nik Aziz said all other laws in Malaysia had been implemented without first seeking public acceptance.
He added that while the Syariah Criminal Code Enactment (that includes hudud) was passed in Kelantan 19 years ago, it could not be enforced because of objection from the Federal Government.
“This includes a warning through an official letter sent by then prime minister (Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad) that has yet to be retracted,'' he said.
Using the analogy that fishermen could enjoy better catch when riding on high waves, Nik Aziz implied that Muslims should decide in the interest of religious obligation even when the tide was against them.
