A Google screenshot of the Shariah Court in Kuala Lumpur. Shariah court punishments are currently limited to jail terms not exceeding three years, or whipping of not more than six strokes, or fines of not more than RM5,000.

KUALA LUMPUR, June 1 ― Pahang mufti Datuk Seri Dr Abdul Rahman Osman said it is “haram” or forbidden for Muslims to support groups opposed to strengthening Islamic laws.

He also said it was rude for such groups not to understand and respect Muslims in general and claimed they might have an “agenda”, Malay daily Berita Harian reported today.

“If we do not understand this matter, it is best to listen to explanation and not give immature excuses prior to that.

“I don't think these groups understand… they are just pretending as there might be another agenda,” he was quoted as saying.

Abdul Rahman was commenting on backlash from non-Muslim groups and politicians from both the ruling Barisan Nasional (BN) and opposition against PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang's bid to amend the Shariah Courts (Criminal Jurisdiction) Act 1965.

“This matter (Act 355) is already in the Federal Constitution… impossible that they do not know this and we as Muslims must come together to give our full support towards this effort to strengthen the functions of the Shariah Courts,” he was quoted as saying.

Abdul Rahman further said non-Muslims should not question Hadi' Bill, adding that it does not involve them directly.

“I suggest that those who question this issue to be punished severely. This is necessary because if continue to be soft on them, they would continue to act in such a way in time to come,” he was quoted as saying.

Abdul Rahman congratulated Hadi for proposing the Bill and expressed hopes that it will be passed in Parliament.

The Bill seeks to empower Shariah courts to enforce punishments ― except for the death penalty ― provided in Shariah laws for Islamic offences listed under state jurisdiction in the Federal Constitution, without elaborating on the nature of the punishments.

Shariah court punishments are currently limited to jail terms not exceeding three years, or whipping of not more than six strokes, or fines of not more than RM5,000.

BN component parties MCA, MIC and Gerakan presidents have threatened to quit their respective parties while minister and United Sabah People's Party president Tan Sri Joseph Kurup cautioned that Sabah and Sarawak may demand to split should PAS’ private members’ bill be passed in Parliament.