SHAH ALAM: Selangor Ruler Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah (pic) has instructed the immediate formation of a special committee to conduct an in-depth and critical examination of the capability of State Legislative Assemblies to enact Islamic laws under state enactments and the jurisdiction of Syariah Courts.
Sultan Sharafuddin, who also serves as the National Council for Islamic Religious Affairs (MKI) chairman, made this command due to the increasing number of cases under the jurisdiction of Syariah Courts that are being challenged at the Federal Court. These cases particularly involve concerns about the competency of State Legislative Assemblies in formulating and approving Islamic (Syariah) laws, as well as the jurisdiction of the Syariah Courts that preside over them.
“This trend shows the position of state enactments that pertain to Syariah criminal offences is being increasingly challenged, thereby affecting the jurisdiction of the Syariah Courts in the states to adjudicate on them,” he stated.
The Selangor Ruler made these remarks during MKI’s 70th meeting on Monday (Aug 28).
Also in attendance was Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who also serves as MKI’s deputy chairman.
Sultan Sharafuddin believes that this issue can only be resolved through legislative action by making specific amendments to the relevant laws. These amendments should grant state legislative assemblies broader powers in formulating provisions related to Syariah criminal offences for Muslims.
He emphasized that the special committee should consist of constitutional law experts, civil and Syariah law experts, academics, and experienced legal practitioners in both civil and Syariah law.
In light of this, Sultan Sharafuddin expressed his hope that the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na’im Mokhtar, who was also present at the meeting, could take immediate steps to form the special committee and propose solutions to MKI and the Conference of Rulers.
Meanwhile, the Selangor Ruler also announced that the 70th MKI meeting will discuss a policy paper outlining comprehensive and detailed guidelines on the use of the word ‘Allah’ by non-Muslims.
“All decisions made by MKI regarding the issue of the term ‘Allah’ will be presented at the upcoming meeting of the Conference of Rulers. This will finalize the policy concerning the usage of the word ‘Allah’ by non-Muslims in this country,” he added.
Sultan Sharafuddin mentioned that during a discussion with the prime minister on June 7, he expressed his view as the MKI chairman that the issue regarding the use of the word ‘Allah’ by non-Muslims should be discussed at the MKI level first.
“My view on this matter has also been approved by His Majesty the Yang di-Pertuan Agong. This matter is in line with the function of MKI, which is responsible for advising the Malay Rulers in improving the administration of Islamic affairs,” he stated.
He further noted that due to the sensitivity of this issue, it needs to be thoroughly studied, wisely deliberated, and responsibly resolved without delay.
Credit: The Star : News Feed
