Referring to the call by the Malaysian Consultative Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hindusim, Sikhism and Taosim for members of Parliament to reject the bill, he urged the critics to study the Quran for its position on law and justice so that they could argue from the position of knowledge instead of making assumptions.

He told them to make comparisons between the Quranic view of justice and the views expressed in the scriptures of other religions and between these and the principles of secular law.

“We invite all quarters to look at Islam from the aspect of the Quran instead of the Islamic State’s culture, which argues with weapons and not knowledge, and instead of from impressions made by the West and its media, which are plotting against Islam and its followers,” he said in a media statement.

Hadi’s private member’s bill seeks to amend the Shariah Courts (Criminal Jurisdiction) Act, also known as Act 355, to give more power to shariah courts, particularly in the matter of punishments. Critics have said that the idea is to pave the way for implementation of hudud, but PAS has denied this.

“Matter 3(1) of the Federal Constitution provides that Islam is the federal religion, but other faiths can be practised in peace and harmony,” said Hadi.

“So let us appreciate the work of past leaders from all races and religions, who have included this provision in the constitution.

“It is the right of the Muslims to practise their religion without interference from other religious groups, whose freedom to their own religion is respected by us.

“We must hold to the principle that there is no compulsion when it comes to religion.”