Wednesday July 30, 2008 MYT 4:12:53 PM

PAS proposes hudud laws if it merges with Umno

KOTA BARU: PAS will propose the implementation of hudud and qisas laws, among other things, if the proposed PAS-Umno merger becomes a reality.

PAS spiritual leader Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat said the proposal was in line with Islamic principles and could be implemented if both parties, which were now having ongoing discussions on Malay and Muslim issues, agreed to it towards forming a new political entity.

In Islamic law or syariah, hudud usually refers to the class of punishments which are fixed for certain crimes, including theft, robbery, illicit sex, alcohol consumption and apostasy, where the punishment for these offences are corporal in nature.

Qisas (law of retaliation) refers to offences that involve bodily injury or loss of life, the punishment of which is death or imprisonment, but compensation in the form of money or property is accepted if the guardian of the victim forgives the offender.

Nik Aziz said in the muqabalah (discussion) spirit between PAS and Umno, any cooperation in forming a new political entity must be based on Islam, including implementing hudud laws as required by the religion.

"What worries me is that if the pact materialises, there'll be people trying to sabotage it by putting up an independent candidate who is against the proposal, to challenge our candidate," the Kelantan Mentri Besar told reporters after launching a building fund for the Baraah mosque here on Wednesday.

He said based on the spirit of democracy in the country, all quarters including Umno and the Chinese and Indians could hold discussions and give their views towards a better understanding of Islam and its laws.

However, he said, what was of utmost importance to him was ensuring the success of the PAS-Umno dialogue first before discussing the future of the Muslim community in this country.

On Perak Umno liaison chief Datuk Seri Mohd Tajol Rosli Ghazali's offer for PAS to form a new coalition state government with Barisan Nasional for Malay political unity and Islamic interests, Nik Aziz said the matter would be discussed at the party's Central Working Committee meeting at the PAS headquarters in Kuala Lumpur on Thursday. -- Bernama