KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 16 — Some Muslim MPs criticised the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) today for denouncing a Terengganu Shariah court’s sentence against two women as humiliating and demeaning.
PAS secretary-general Datuk Takiyuddin Hassan said the commission must explain its remarks, claiming that these impugned the Shariah court’s standing.
“I strongly disagree with the statement made by Suhakam, and I feel such statements are contempt of court.
The Shariah court is a recognised legal system that has the jurisdiction to punish Muslims found guilty under the Shariah law,” he said.
The Terengganu Shariah High Court sentenced two women, allegedly lesbians, to a fine of RM3,300 and six strokes of the cane each after convicting them of homosexual activities last week.
Takiyuddin added that should the commission refuse to comply to PAS’ demand for an explanation, it could consider filing an appeal in court.
“When the court passes down a judgement, we as laymen cannot question their judgement as long as it is done within the constitution.
“These sort of comments should not be coming from Suhakam, for it is the rights Muslims [being judged by a Shariah court], and does not encroach into the rights of non-Muslims,” he said.
He added the commission should have decided against commenting on such incidents.
“We will give time a period of time to respond, or we will take action,” he said, referring to motion accusing Suhakam of contempt of court.
“We have not decided on the time frame, but will eventually take action.”
