KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 25 — The son of PAS’s spiritual leader has suggested that the worsening floods in Kelantan was a sign of “Allah’s wrath” and that the state government must continue with its bid to enforce hudud amid strong opposition.
Pasir Mas MP Nik Mohamad Abduh, the son of revered PAS leader Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat, wrote on his Facebook page last night that the floods were intended to remind Muslims to return to Allah’s path, and necessity in implementing the Islamic penal code in the state.
“The flood is a reminder to all Muslims to return to Allah’s ways and stay away from His wrath.
“It necessitates the perseverance of the Kelantan government to implement hudud laws,” he said.
Tens of thousands in Kelantan, Terengganu, Perlis and Pahang have had to be evacuated from their homes due to floods in various districts, Bernama reported yesterday at noon.
In Kelantan, 20,709 victims from 6,795 families in eight districts were evacuated compared to 20,468 people Tuesday morning, while the number of flood relief centres increased to 84 from 70.
The water levels at five major rivers rose above the danger levels, with Sungai Golok at 10.34m, past the danger level of 9m.
The other rivers which have breached the danger levels were Sungai Galas (42.08m) in Dabong, Gua Musang, Sungai Lebir in Tualang, Gua Musang (40.27m), Sungai Kelantan at Tangga Krai, Kuala Krai (29.10m) and Sungai Kelantan at Guillemard Bridge, Tanah Merah (17.95m).
While Nik Abduh made no specific reference, the statement was made amid strong opposition towards PAS Kelantan’s bid to implement the Islamic penal code, particularly from its own allies in the federal opposition bloc Pakatan Rakyat.
The Kelantan PAS government will convene a special assembly sitting next Monday to table and pass amendments to the Kelantan Shariah Criminal Code Enactment II.
The move is in preparation for PAS’s plan to table in Parliament a private member’s bill to amend the Federal Constitution, which would subsequently allow Kelantan to implement hudud law in the state.
This is despite vocal resistance from PAS’s allies in PR, and the stand-off has led to predictions from politicians within that pact that the controversy could potentially cause a break-up.
Some from the DAP have even called for PAS to leave PR while one suggested the pact halt co-operation with the Islamist party since it was planning ahead with preparations to enforce hudud in Kelantan in the face of vehement opposition.
In Islamic jurisprudence, hudud covers crimes such as theft, robbery, adultery, rape and sodomy. Punishments for the crimes are severe, including amputation, flogging and death by stoning.
