Jawi warns of action against SIS

The Federal Territories Islamic Department (Jawi) has warned of action and investigation against NGO Sisters in Islam (SIS) for allegedly “questioning” a fatwa against Muslim women’s participation in beauty pageants.

Utusan Malaysia today quoted Jawi director Che Mat Che Ali (left) as saying that the NGO can be investigated under Section 7 and 9 of the Syariah Offences Act (Federal Territories) 1997, and could face a fine of up to RM3,000 or a jail term of two years, upon conviction.

SIS questioned the fatwa’s ability to have the force of law without going through a legislative process.

“However, what is of greater concern to Sisters in Islam is the larger question of how gazetted fatwas have the automatic force of law without going through the legislative process, and are used as a tool to undemocratically pass laws that infringe on our fundamental liberties,” it said in a statement on Monday.

Meanwhile, Jawi had also said that a Muslim contestant of the Miss Malaysia World 2013, who was disqualified due to the fatwa, would be giving her statement to Jawi today over allegations of insulting the fatwa, Berita Harian reported.

However, the daily said that the contestant, who was not named, did not confirm if she would give her statement to Jawi today.