Mufti bill ‘nearly the same’ as 20-year-old Sabah law

 

The Mufti (Federal Territories) Bill 2024 is expected to be debated in the Dewan Rakyat this month. (Facebook pic)

PETALING JAYA: 

A proposed new law on powers of the mufti in the federal territories contains provisions that are almost the same as a 20-year-old Sabah law, government spokesman Fahmi Fadzil said today.

He said he had been informed of this by religious affairs minister Na’im Mokhtar that 

almost all the articles and clauses contained in the Mufti (Federal Territories) Bill are nearly identical to the Sabah Fatwa Enactment passed in 2004

 on powers of the Sabah mufti, Bernama reported.

This means that Sabah has had the same kind of law for over 20 years. There has been no change in terms of practices or freedom of religion for non-Muslims. We still see festivals like Pesta Kaamatan being celebrated as usual,

 he said after attending a constituency event in Lembah Pantai, Kuala Lumpur.

Yesterday, 14 groups based in Sarawak and Sabah claimed that the bill would turn Malaysia into an Islamic state overnight. They alleged that the bill violated the Malaysia Agreement 1963 and represented a direct attack on the secular system in the country.

Fahmi, who is communications minister, urged those making negative remarks about the bill to review the history of similar laws in Sabah.

I recommend revisiting the history of Sabah, which enacted this law 20 years ago, and there has been no negative impact. Therefore, do not view this matter with suspicion, and it is important to understand the law. We want Islam, for Muslims, not only to be respected but to ensure that, legally, everything is well-ordered,

 he said.

The Mufti (Federal Territories) Bill 2024 is expected to be tabled for debate in the Dewan Rakyat this month.

Fahmi said the bill would not expand the powers of the mufti but was aimed at ensuring that the jurisdiction of the mufti is more orderly and clear, thus preventing any disputes over actions taken by the mufti.

He said the bill would also ensure that the role of the mufti has greater clarity in terms of the constitution and the laws of the country. - FMT