The government is not planning to organise a national fatwa (Religious) conference to decide whether Malaysia is an Islamic state, the Dewan Rakyat heard today.

Parliamentary secretary in the Prime Minister's Department Noh Omar said the matter had already been decided way back during the 15th National Fatwa Muzakarah (meeting) in Feb 1986, in Kuala Lumpur.

Noh said the meeting had decided that the ulama (scholars) were of the opinion that the measure of an Islamic state is based on the level of "peace and freedom" enjoyed by the Muslim community when practising its faith.

"Therefore, Malaysia with the present government is already an Islamic state," said Noh during Parliament's question-and-answer session.

"The present government's practice of justice and equality is evidently clear," he added.

Noh was replying to a question by Alwi Jusoh (PAS-Pasir Puteh) who asked the prime minister to state whether the government was planning to organise a National Fatwa Council to decide whether Malaysia was indeed an Islamic state that applies Islamic laws.

Islamic laws

Meanwhile, Muhamad Mustafa (PAS-Peringat) asked the prime minister to state the reason behind the declaration that Malaysia is an Islamic state even as the country's policies and laws are against Islam.

Muhamad also wanted to know why the government has enforced British laws and policies which are not in line with Islam.

In reply, Noh said the fact that Malaysia is already an Islamic state need not be declared.

He added that the implementation of Islamic laws is not a condition for a country to be considered an Islamic state.

Noh explained that although Malaysian laws were based on Common Law inherited from the colonials, there are various differences.

"We have never forced Muslims to accept British laws. Our laws are made in Parliament and endorsed by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong (who is the head of religion)," he said.