While criticism of the bill is valid in some respects, some objections come from those harbouring Islamophobic views, the prime minister said in an interview with FMT at his office.
“There is also a certain phobia. Whenever anything related to Islam is mentioned, we see some level of Islamophobia,” he said, as some cannot make out the difference between “extremist fanatical views and the need to promote Islam in a moderate way”.
Anwar said resolving the polemic surrounding the bill required “healthy, reasoned discourse” involving all perspectives.
Former Umno information chief Shahril Hamdan has also highlighted the polarisation of views involving Muslim issues, particularly on accepting Palestinian refugees.
In a recent podcast, he said the backlash often came from those deemed “ultra-liberals” who oppose anything associated with Islamic elements, perceiving such moves as steps towards Islamisation.
The mufti bill, which is expected to be debated in the Dewan Rakyat this month, has been criticised for granting unchecked authority to religious officials.
Perlis mufti Asri Zainul Abidin has raised concerns, arguing that the bill could stifle freedom of thought and academic freedom under the guise of religious governance.
However, former law minister Zaid Ibrahim, who has often been labelled a liberal, expressed fears that the bill could transform fatwas (religious edicts) from advisory opinions into binding law and thus infringing on personal freedoms.
In response, Bangi MP Syahredzan Johan accused Zaid of being irresponsible and misleading; he said similar provisions are already in place in state law, while the bill applies only to the Federal Territories.
Syahredzan, a DAP member, said Zaid, now with Umno, should “engage more with those outside his circle” However Zaid questioned the need for the new bill, saying it might unnecessarily expand the powers of muftis beyond existing legislation. - FMT
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