PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang has said Putrajaya's move to ratify the Rome Statute, which governs the International Criminal Court, is not a problem.
Hadi's stance stood in contrast to his party's fierce objection to the attempted ratification of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (Icerd).
"Even if Malaysia accepts (that a case should be brought to the ICC), any decision must receive the consent of the government.
"If our country refuses to bring a case to the ICC, then it cannot be brought there," he was quoted as saying last night by Berita Harian.
The jurisdiction of the ICC covers four international crimes, namely genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, and crimes of aggression.
The PAS president also quoted Mahathir's explanation on the issue.
"That was why Mahathir made the statement that Malaysia has its own stance. We won't follow it blindly.
"Actually, the government is not bound by the treaty because it is not strong and a very loose agreement," he said.
Hadi added that Malaysia cannot follow aspects of the treaty that do not suit Malaysian norms.
His rare backing for the government comes amid criticism from the Johor royal family over the ratification of the Rome Statute, claiming that it is unconstitutional.
BN lawmakers had raised the issue in the Dewan Rakyat, stating that royal consent was needed to accede to the treaty.
As Foreign Minister Saifuddin Abdullah reiterated today, however, ratification of the Rome Statute does not require consultation with the Conference of Rulers.
He also pointed out that cabinet members had twice met with Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah on the treaty, with Wisma Putra being instructed by the king to publicise the matter.
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