By MASTURA YUSOFF

KUALA LUMPUR: A National  technical committee to study  the implementation of hudud in Kelantan will be formed soon.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Jamil Khir Baharom said the committee would comprise experts on Islamic law and not politicians.

Although committee members had yet to be shortlisted, he said the Malaysia Islamic Development Department would be its secretariat. The committee would also evaluate recommendations in dealing with crime under Islamic law, he said yesterday.

“The committee will provide a better understanding on Islamic jurisprudence to other parties, since many have yet to understand what hudud is about.

“A detailed discussion is also important to educate Muslims and non-Muslims on the beauty of Islamic law.

“Everyone has the right to learn more about the subject. Most are fearful of Islamic law.”

Earlier, Jamil Khir met Kelantan Deputy Menteri Besar Datuk Mohd Amar Nik Abdullah to discuss the setting up of the committee.

Amar, who also chairs a state technical committee studying the implementation of hudud in Kelantan, said he was satisfied with the outcome of the meeting with Jamil Khir.

“We had presented our case in detail to DAP and PKR (Pas’ allies in the opposition).

“We talked about the aspirations of the state committee (on hudud). And, we are satisfied with what we have explained to them,” said Amar.

Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin had earlier proposed to Pas that a national technical committee be set up to gather religious experts to study the implementation of hudud in Kelantan.

Muhyiddin, who said this during a one-day visit to Kelantan recently, added that international religious leaders should also be invited to share their views.

Meanwhile, Umno vice-president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the party had never rejected hudud and supported the proposal to implement it as long as it was based on the true teachings of Islam.

Source: http://www.nst.com.my/nation/general/panel-to-study-hudud-1.585818