KUALA LUMPUR: The Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil has called on all parties to stop engaging in misleading discussions regarding the Federal Court’s decision to nullify 16 offences in the Kelantan Syariah Criminal Offences Enactment (I) 2019. He emphasized the importance of doing so for the well-being of society.
As the Unity Government spokesperson, Fahmi expressed his appreciation for the advice and views of Sultan Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, who is also the chairman of the National Council of Islamic Religious Affairs (MKI). He hoped that the advice from the Ruler would be taken as guidance by all parties, regardless of political beliefs.
Fahmi stressed the need for all parties to remain calm and respect the process undertaken by the Special Committee established under the MKI, which has been given a year to prepare recommendations. He also emphasized the importance of not preceding the announced process.
“The Communications Ministry will provide full cooperation and follow the advice and views of Tuanku Sultan Selangor,” he said in a post on social media on Thursday (Feb 15).
Sultan Sharafuddin had earlier called on all parties to respect the decision of the Federal Court and the position of the Federal Constitution as the country’s supreme law.
The Federal Court’s recent decision, in an 8-1 majority, allowed an application by two Muslim women to nullify 16 provisions under the Kelantan Syariah Criminal Code Enactment 2019.
The two women had challenged the constitutionality and legality of 18 provisions in the Kelantan Syariah Criminal Code (1) Enactment 2019, claiming that the Kelantan State Legislative Assembly (DUN) does not have the authority to legislate on the 18 offences because there is a Federal law that covers such offences.
Sultan Sharafuddin highlighted that the special committee to study issues related to the competencies of the State Legislative Assembly in enacting Islamic laws is currently looking into arising issues. The committee has been given a year from its establishment to present its findings and recommendations to the MKI, which would present them to the Conference of Rulers for consideration and approval. – Bernama
