KUALA LUMPUR: PAS is ready to have an open dialogue with any political party or non-governmental organisation (NGO) to explain PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang's Private Members Bill on the proposed amendments to the Syariah Courts (Criminal Jurisdiction) Act 1965.

Speaking at a press conference at the PAS headquarters here on Friday, its deputy information chief Roslan Shahir said the hudud Bill had been politicised to the extent that it had triggered a troubling situation within the country.

"We are open and ready to have a dialogue and to sit down and discuss with all political parties including MCA, MIC, the Federation of Hokkien Associations, and any non-Muslim and even Muslim NGOs who want to hear our opinion," he said.

"This is more civil," he said adding that having an open dialogue about the proposed amendments reflects a mature political culture.

Roslan said PAS wanted to prevent an unhealthy atmosphere from developing within Malaysian society as a result of a misunderstanding over the contents of the hudud Bill.

He was responding to a petition by the Federation of Hokkien Associations of Malaysia calling for one million signatures from Malaysians who oppose PAS’ hudud.

He said PAS was not refuting the association's right to hold the petition.

However, he said it would be "healthier" if there would be "engagement" in the form of a discussion between PAS and the Hokkien Associations.

He added the proposed Bill was brought up using the democratic process and ideally, matters relating to it should be discussed in the Dewan Rakyat and not in the open.

Roslan explained that the Bill would only seek to amend changes relating to the Syariah Court and this only affects those practising Islam.