PENAMPANG: The United Pasokmomogun Kadazandusun Murut Organisation (UPKO) has raised its objection over the Private Member’s Bill tabled by Pas in parliament last week, saying that it would create a ripple effect that requires an amendment to the Federal Constitution.

UPKO chief Datuk Seri Wilfred Madius Tangau said there were concerns that once power is given to the Syariah courts to impose any punishment except death, it would then be followed with the introduction of new criminal offences by the states in the Syariah courts.

“Those punishments would be exceeding the current jurisdiction as allowed under the Syariah Court (Criminal Jurisdiction) Act 1965.

“This will create duplicity of offences and the creation of two sets of laws governing the citizens of this country,” he said, adding that it would go against the equality and equal protection guaranteed under the Federal Constitution.

Wilfred, who is also Science, Technology and Innovation minister, was speaking to reporters after the closing of the state-level Kaamatan festival here.-nst