What is the PAS rationale for bypassing public consent on RUU355?

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PAS Rationale for Bypassing Public Consent on RUU355

PAS vice-president Datuk Mohd Amar Nik Abdullah has asserted that public consent and understanding, even among Muslims, are not prerequisites for the passage of a Bill intended to implement harsher Shariah punishments. He dismissed a recent poll indicating that a significant majority of Malay voters are uninformed about the proposed RUU355, arguing that legislative implementation should not be contingent on universal comprehension. Nik Amar drew a parallel to the introduction of the Goods and Services Tax (GST), which proceeded despite a lack of widespread public understanding at the time.
Necessity of Implementation Over Universal Understanding

Mohd Amar Nik Abdullah articulated that delaying the implementation of any law until every citizen fully comprehends it would render its enactment impossible. He stated, “If you wait for everyone to understand it first, when can you ever implement the law?” This perspective suggests that the practical necessity of enacting legislation outweighs the ideal of complete public enlightenment prior to its passage.
Historical Precedent of GST Implementation

The PAS vice-president cited the implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) as a comparable situation where a major policy was enacted without the full understanding of the populace. He noted, “It was the same with GST, not a lot of people understood or even knew about it but the federal government went ahead with it.” The GST, a consumption tax, was passed by the Dewan Rakyat in April 2014 and implemented a year later.
Proposed Enhancements to Shariah Punishments

The private member's Bill, RUU355, was formally proposed by PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang. The core objective of this proposal is to significantly increase the existing limits on Shariah punishments. Specifically, it seeks to raise the maximum penalties from three years' imprisonment, six strokes of the cane, and a RM5,000 fine to a considerably higher threshold of 30 years' imprisonment, 100 strokes of the cane, and a RM100,000 fine.
Ongoing Public Education Efforts by PAS

Despite the stance that universal understanding is not required for passage, Mohd Amar indicated that PAS is actively engaged in educating its members and the broader Muslim community about RUU355. He mentioned that the party is conducting talks and forums nationwide, stating, “People will understand it slowly, we have to educate them slowly.” He also confirmed plans to engage with other concerned parties.

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What is the PAS rationale for bypassing public consent on RUU355?

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