ALOR SETAR, February 23 – In the wake of the recent Federal Court ruling striking down 16 provisions of the Kelantan Syariah Criminal Code (I) Enactment 2019, Kedah’s state government is poised to consult Sultan Sallehuddin Sultan Badlishah regarding the status of seven of its shariah laws, which bear similarities to those invalidated provisions. Menteri Besar Sanusi Nor emphasized the need for a comprehensive examination of the ruling’s implications, underscoring the importance of seeking guidance from Sultan Sallehuddin to determine the appropriate course of action for the state in light of the judgment.
Similarly, Terengganu’s Menteri Besar Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar affirmed the state government’s commitment to scrutinizing Terengganu’s shariah criminal laws to ensure compliance with federal legislation. The Federal Court’s decision, delivered by Chief Justice Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat, declared the 16 criminal offenses in Kelantan’s Shariah Criminal Code unconstitutional, citing lack of jurisdiction by the state assembly to enact such laws. The rulings signal a significant legal development prompting state authorities to review and potentially amend existing legislation to align with constitutional principles and federal laws.
