He said that the law only acts as a punishment to the Muslims and has no bearing on other non-Muslims.

“There was a big misunderstanding when Tuan Haji Hadi tabled the private member’s bill. They (BN components) perceived that he brought the hudud bill.

“Haji Hadi is closely linked to hudud. The amendment (Hadi tabled) is not for the hudud act.

“It is to enhance punishment from six strokes of cane to as many times as stipulated to the Muslims … not applicable to non-Muslims.

“Even the way of the caning will not injure or cause bleeding to the person being punished,” he told a press conference after the Umno Supreme Council meeting at the party’s headquarters today.

Najib was asked to comment on the reported resignation of Kedah MCA Deputy Chairman Dr Leong Yong Kong today in protest against the hudud bill issue.

The prime minister also admitted it was very hard for a hudud bill to be implemented as there were many restrictions and approval from the Rulers Council had to be sought.

“It is hard to implement (Islamic law) as it needs the consent of the Rulers Council, State Islamic Councils and law amendments in Parliament as well as the consensus in BN itself.”

Meanwhile Umno Supreme Council Member Abdul Aziz Kaprawi said BN component parties had accepted the explanation by Umno regarding the Bill.

“Generally, PM has explained to the component parties and they understand,” he told reporters at the Menara Dato’ Onn’s lobby.