Ngeh misunderstood syariah law committee’s source of power - Loke

DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke said fellow DAP lawmaker Ngeh Koo Ham had misunderstood the source of power behind the committee that reviews syariah courts’ jurisdiction as per the Federal Constitution.

In a statement today, Loke stressed that the misunderstanding had led to the Beruas MP's proposal that non-Muslim constitutional experts should be appointed as members of the committee reviewing the syariah courts’ jurisdiction.

"The committee is set up by the National Islamic Affairs Council chaired by the Selangor sultan to advise the council with suggestions on strengthening matters under the syariah courts.

"Any suggestion by the committee that involves legal amendments must be brought to the cabinet and go through the normal drafting process," said Loke, who is also the transport minister.

Loke stressed that the formation of the 11-member committee announced on Dec 5, chaired by former chief judge Zaki Azmi, was decided by the council and will also report directly to the council.

Ngeh yesterday noted that all members of the committee are Muslims, as he suggested for inclusion of non-Muslim experts to incorporate their views concerning relevant constitutional provisions.

Ngeh Koo Ham

"I am highly aware Ngeh's statement will trigger a polemic that the DAP is trying to meddle in Islamic affairs.

"This is not true at all. DAP respects the Selangor sultan's wisdom in making any decisions on matters of the council," said Loke.

At the same time, he assured that non-Muslims should not worry, as any legal amendments that involve their rights must go through the cabinet, to be decided on before proceeding with processes in Parliament.

Earlier today, Umno secretary-general Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki hit out at Ngeh's proposal, stating it is not "rooted in reality" and is also capable of stirring unwanted controversy in the multiracial country.

Last month, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said the government has agreed to form the special committee sanctioned by the Conference of Rulers.

He said the rulers consented to the committee studying ways to enhance the powers of the syariah courts over Muslims while ensuring that it does not affect non-Muslims.

‘Provide space’

Meanwhile, Bangi MP Syahredzan Johan said in a statement that he supported Asyraf’s opinions in stating that there was no need for non-Muslims to be on the committee.

Syahredzan, who is also a practising lawyer, said the committee was formed to resolve conflicts between federal and state law.

"The committee's mandate is to study the competency of the state legislative assemblies in legislative laws concerning Islam.

"Therefore, the committee's considerations will be limited to issues concerning syariah, which is applied only to Muslims," said Syahredzan on X.

Syahredzan added that any recommendations by the committee were not binding on the cabinet, which was obliged to conduct further engagements with stakeholders before any decision was made.

"Everyone should provide this committee space (to perform its duties) and fulfil their mandate," said Syahredzan. - Mkini