Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department, Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki said this when asked on the implementation of hudud in Malaysia at the National Aspiration and Leadership Summit 2016 here today.

“For the purpose of power one party has been highlighting implementing hudud as if it embodies what Islam is about rather than promoting concepts of justice, transparency, good governance which is more pertinent than six kinds of punishment,” he said.

Asyraf said hudud was only a small component of Islamic justice and dealt with six crimes: adultery, illicit sex, theft, robbery, intoxication and apostasy.

The burden of proof required was so great that it was almost impossible to prove and prosecute because of the requirements imposed, such as the number of witnesses required and their character.

He said one could come to the conclusion that it was almost as if God did not want someone punished.

“No one can say hudud is irrelevant as it is God’s law but what we are talking about today is the implementation, which is far more pertinent in the Islamic context of justice. If we cannot do justice in implementing hudud then it is better if we differ,” he said.

He reiterated that “Islam is not about punishing but upholding justice.”

Hudud penalties include amputation and stoning.

The PAS move to enforce the hudud penal code in Kelantan, which requires parliamentary approval of a constitutional amendment, led to its estrangement from the DAP, then an ally in the opposition coalition Pakatan Rakyat, and the collapse of the coalition.