Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Jamil Khir Baharom today denied allegations by several quarters that the government purportedly used the National Fatwa Council as a tool to stifle dissent.         

He said the claims were unfounded and that the council was just carrying out its responsibility through the muftis in the name of Islam, and all decisions were based on the Quran and Sunnah and not in the interests of any party.    

“There are 14 muftis here and it’s impossible that they are being used. Furthermore, no personal interests are involved,” he told reporters after opening the Islamic Development Department/State Islamic Religious Department 2014 sports meet in Kuala Lumpur.

Jamil Khir was commenting on a news portal report which quoted several legal practitioners as saying the National Fatwa Council was allowing the government to use it as a tool to stifle dissent despite having no legal standing in relation to Islam.

The report also stated that the failure to check this trend might lead to the council losing its credibility.   

As to the sports meet today, Jamil Khir said it was aimed at showcasing the sporting talents within the two departments as well as strengthening their existing ties.     

- Bernama