The burden of issues related to apostasy in Sarawak is heavy but with good reasoning, and by looking at the greater benefits of maqasid syariah (foundational goals of Islamic law) the issue can resolved soon, says Sarawak Islamic Council deputy president Juanda Jaya.

He said the initiative undertaken by Chief Minister Abang Johari Abang Openg to rectify the “hanging” situation by amending the state syariah ordinance was an appropriate step which should be supported, as it was aimed at avoiding conflict and to provide a solution to the sensitive issue, particularly in Sarawak.

"To solve this problem, emotions should be cast aside. The issue of unity and religious harmony in the country should be a priority.

“We should not let the actions of some 'mischievous' people disrupt the religious harmony enjoyed in the country," Juanda said in a statement today.

The issue arose after four Sarawakians wanted to know whether a civil or syariah court has jurisdiction over their efforts to leave Islam.

The Federal Court in Kuching decided that there was a provision in the Sarawak Islamic Council Ordinance on the power of the Syariah Court to handle such cases.

Abang Johari (photo), in a statement last night, stressed that as the Federal Court had given its decision, further action had to be taken.

Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who is also the Home Minister, said today he left it to the state government to settle the issue.

Juanda said that the best administrative solution could be achieved if the matter was resolved, as the main issue of the four individuals was to remove their religion as Islam from their identity cards.

Without a ruling from the Sarawak Islamic Council, or the state Syariah Court or the Islamic Religious Department, he noted, the state National Registration Department would find it difficult to approve their application.

"Discard bad thoughts. Abandon any bad intentions. The focus should be on maintaining the religious harmony which has existed for so long. The personal issue of one or two individuals who are having problems is not worth sacrificing the religious harmony.

"The decision of the Federal Court should be respected and implemented. It strictly states that the Sarawak Syariah Court has the power to resolve this crisis even though it is not clearly stated in the text of the law.

“Hence the burden of deciding on the matter is now on the shoulders of the Sarawak Syariah Court," he added.

- Bernama