The Perak Fatwa Committee which met from April 6 to 8 has unanimously objected to the formation of the Inter-faith Committee as announced by the government.

State Mufti Harussani Zakaria said discussions on Islam did not require the interference of non- Muslims as this could have negative implications. Inter-Faith Council

"Any other existing religion is not the same as Islam," he said in a statement issued here today.

Harussani said although discussions and dialogues on religion were allowed, the Perak Fatwa Committee felt it should be avoided especially among the general public as it would only invite misunderstandings.

He added that although the setting up of the Inter-faith Committee was aimed at fostering harmony and religious understanding among Malaysians, the Perak Fatwa Committee was of the opinion that it was not a suitable medium.

Rulers' approval first

"This is in view of fears that unreasonable claims could be made by people of other faiths. Moreover, the formation of the Inter-faith Committee came about after the Inter-faith Commission was rejected by Muslims."

Harussani said the Perak Fatwa Committee also felt that the formation of the Inter-faith Committee should not only have been referred to the cabinet for approval but also to the Conference of Malay Rulers as the highest authority on Islamic religious matters in this country.

The cabinet had on April 6 agreed to the establishment of the Inter-faith Committee with representatives from all religions and without the interference of politicians so as to promote understanding among Malaysia's multi-religious society.

– Bernama