Shariah law panel engaged with non-Muslim bodies, too, says minister

PETALING JAYA: The committee studying the conflicts between shariah laws and the Federal Constitution had consulted non-Muslim organisations, said religious affairs minister Na’im Mokhtar.

Naim said it engaged with the National Evangelical Christian Fellowship, the Malaysia Hindu Sangam, the Malaysian Gurdwaras Council, the Malaysian Taoist Association, Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Malaysia, and the Malaysian Buddhist Bhikkhuni Association.

He also said the engagements involved the National Council for Islamic Religious Affairs’ (MKI) muzakarah committee, the offices of the state muftis, the Selangor Islamic religious council, the federal territories’ mufti’s office, the Sarawak judiciary, and others.

They also held talks with legal and constitutional experts, including those from the Malaysian Bar, as well as Islamic bodies such as the Malaysian Islamic Youth Movement.

“This approach indirectly helps the committee in examining all relevant aspects in a holistic manner, including the Federal Constitution, civil and shariah laws, as well as Islamic jurisprudence, to ensure a comprehensive study report,” he said.

He was responding to Idris Ahmad (PN-Bagan Serai), who asked about the preliminary findings of the study conducted by the committee, including the outcomes of engagement sessions held with stakeholders.

Naim also said the committee’s report is expected to be completed by this month.

He said the committee is consolidating all its recommendations and suggestions before presenting its report to MKI and the Conference of Rulers for approval, and subsequently to the Cabinet.

Ngeh Koo Ham (PH-Beruas) previously courted controversy after proposing that non-Muslims should be included in the committee. He later apologised and withdrew his suggestion.

Ngeh was slammed by several Umno leaders, including its youth chief, Dr Akmal Saleh, who said he failed to understand Muslim sensitivities in making the proposal.

Umno Supreme Council member Puad Zarkashi also took the DAP MP to task for suggesting the Malaysian Bar be made part of the committee.