FT Mufti Bill: Minister's office open for discussion

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Mohd Na’im Mokhtar indicated readiness to accept the Perlis mufti’s invitation to discuss the Federal Territories Mufti Bill 2024.

This comes after Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin invited Na’im for an open dialogue so the public could assess the minister’s capabilities.

Na’im’s political secretary Muhamad Razak Idris conveyed the minister’s readiness in a statement today.

“I would like to explain that the minister’s office and agencies under the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) are always open to holding discussions with various parties to obtain input, recommendations, and the best views to dignify the administration of Islamic affairs in Malaysia,” he said.

He also said the proposed bill had gone through a comprehensive engagement process ahead of its tabling in the current Dewan Rakyat session.

The process was to ensure the bill was orderly and in line with the Federal Constitution and existing laws, Razak added.

He revealed that the minister’s office is active in conducting briefings related to issues arising from the bill to clarify confusion and misunderstandings that have arisen.

“Therefore, I invite the public to consult and use official channels if they need further clarification on this matter,” he said.

‘Not drafted in a hurry’

Earlier, Malaysiakini reported that Asri had invited Na’im (above) to have an open discussion on the matter and asked government media to give him space for the dialogue.

Previously, Na’im said the bill would be enacted to strengthen the institution of fatwas in the Federal Territories of Putrajaya, Kuala Lumpur, and Labuan.

Razak said the minister hopes the public will avoid causing provocation by openly discussing issues on religious thinking that are complicated and require specific expertise.

“I call on the public to use social media prudently and ethically and to take care not to hurt the feelings of any party to preserve the authority and honour of the religious institutions in our country, further guaranteeing religious well-being among Muslims,” he said.

Today, Na’im explained that the Federal Territories Mufti Bill was not drafted in haste, but through a careful and lengthy process, adding that a committee was established in 2021 to study and draft a special act for the mufti.

He said the committee was made up of representatives from the Federal Territories Mufti’s Office, the Islamic Development Department (Jakim), the Attorney-General’s Department, the Syariah Justice Department, the Federal Territories Syariah Court, the Federal Territories Islamic Religious Council, as well as the Selangor Mufti Department.

FT Mufti Bill not drafted in haste, no influence from any party - minister

COMMENT | What is fundamentally wrong with FT Mufti Bill?

COMMENT | Will DAP support FT Mufti Bill?

Let minister in charge answer concerns on FT Mufti Bill - PM