Govt to consult non-Muslim groups on syariah reform: deputy minister

Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Zulkifli Hasan has clarified that non-Muslim organisations “will” be consulted on the impending reforms of syariah law.

In a Facebook post this afternoon, he clarified his statement to the Dewan Rakyat yesterday that the groups “were consulted” to explain the Syariah Courts (Criminal Jurisdiction) Act 1965 (Act 355) (Amendment) Bill, which included issues involving overlapping and conflicting jurisdictions.

He had informed that engagements were carried out with NGOs such as the Christian Federation of Malaysia, National Evangelical Christian Fellowship Malaysia, the Malaysian Taoist Association and Sri Mahamariamman Temple.

He added that the Malaysia Hindu Sangam and Sarawak Premier Department’s unit for religious affairs were also invited for discussions.

In his post, Zulkifli said official invitations have been sent to the respective organisations.

“This is in line with the unity government’s stand to ensure engagement with various quarters for issues to be resolved amicably,” he added.

Non-Muslims not affected

The deputy minister also pointed out that the syariah laws would only apply to Muslims.

“The fact is the Syariah Courts (Criminal Jurisdiction) Act 1965 (Amendment) Bill will never be enforced on non-Muslims because the Act itself states that it only involves Muslims,” he added.

Amendments to Act 355 seek to expand the jurisdiction of syariah courts beyond the limits of RM5,000 fines, three years imprisonment, or six strokes of the cane.

Meanwhile, the Syariah Court Civil Procedure (Federal Territories) (Amendment) Bill seeks, among others, to substitute Section 34 on Wakalah to ease the process of appointment of a syarie lawyer by allowing it to be pronounced by the person who appoints him without having to do it before the judge or court registrar.

Zulkifli had told the Dewan Rakyat that both bills would be tabled in Parliament upon cabinet approval.

Yesterday, Malaysiakini had mistakenly quoted Zulkifli as stating that the engagement sessions were related to the amendments to the Federal Territories Mufti Bill 2024.

Following this, the Christian Federation of Malaysia had denied that it was consulted.

Malaysiakini apologises for the error.

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