Representatives of PAS today met PKR and DAP leaders to explain its plans on implementing the Syariah Criminal Code II Enactment 1993.
 
PAS was represented by Kelantan Menteri Besar Ahmad Yakob, his deputy Mohd Nik Amar Abdullah, PAS committee members Dzulkefly Ahmad, Dr Hatta Ramli and secretary-general Mustaffa Ali, who chaired the meeting.
 
The PKR delegation was represented by vice-president Tian Chua, treasurer general William Leong and central committee member Sivarasa Rasiah. DAP was represented by vice-chairperson Teresa Kok and committee members Liew Chin Tong, Zairil Khir Johari and Ong Kian Ming.

The meeting lasted slightly over two hours and was held at the PAS headquarters in Kuala Lumpur.

 
Following the meeting, Mohd Nik Amar told Harakah that PAS wished to explain to its Pakatan Rakyat partners about its intention to present a Private Member's Bill to the Dewan Rakyat to pave way for the enforcement of the Enactment.
 
"From what we've explained to them, things looks positive... They understand what the Kelantan government has done although they do not agree with this policy. We respect that.
 
"At least they understand our position and decisions," he said, while stressing that differing opinions are the norm and what was important was for Pakatan partners to respect each other.
 
We will explain to MCA too
 
He added that PAS was willing to meet BN component parties, including MCA, as well. 
 
"If MCA wants to meet, we will meet them... anywhere. God willing, we will explain (the matter) to them. Whether they agree or not, that is their right. We can't compel them," he said.
 
According to Liew, DAP had informed PAS that hudud is not part of Pakatan's common agenda. He added that although both parties cannot agree on hudud, discussions will continue.
 
"We hope that they realise that there are political risks involved," said Liew.
 
The hudud debate was reignited after Minister in the Prime Minister Department Jamil Khir Baharom's said he would help PAS pave way for the implementation of Enactment. 

Following this, PAS said it would table a Private Member's Bill in the Dewan Rakyat to facilitate the necessary legal amendments. 

 
The Enactment prescribes corporal punishments such as amputations for theft and stoning to death for adultery.
 
PAS having tough time with Malay voters
 
Meanwhile, Kok told Malaysiakini that PAS leaders had explained that the party is having a tough time trying to win back Malay support.
 
"Umno has been telling the rural voters that PAS is controlled by DAP.
 
"They said that they were challenged by Umno on the implementation of hudud and thus cannot stay silent. If they did not respond, they believe they will lose more votes," said Kok.

PAS currently has 21 seats in the Dewan Rakyat, down two seats from the previous general election.

 
Kok added that the DAP and PKR delegation had urged their PAS counterparts to look at the "bigger picture" which is the future of Malaysia and the Pakatan coalition. 
 
However, all parties did agree that Pakatan should remain united and not be split by this issue.
 
Meanwhile, Sivarasa said the meeting was only a "general discussion".
 
"No decision has been made," he said curtly.