The Federal Territory Islamic Religious Council (MAIWP) is urging all parties to respect the government's efforts to draft the Mufti (Federal Territories) Bill 2024.

MAIWP chairperson Syed Kamarulzaman Syed Kabeer said the bill aims to elevate and empower the mufti institution in the Federal Territories and that actions inciting hatred within the Muslim community should cease.

He specifically condemned calls for the replacement of the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Mohd Na'im Mokhtar and Federal Territory Mufti Luqman Abdullah, describing such suggestions as unwarranted.

“Inciting hatred within the Muslim community must stop immediately, especially regarding the positions of the minister and the FT mufti, as this could hinder the government's noble efforts to strengthen Islamic administration in the country.

“Differences of opinion should be addressed with tolerance (tasamuh) and decorum, which are core values in fostering a Madani society,” he said in a statement today.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Mohd Na'im Mokhtar.

Media reports had highlighted social media claims suggesting that Na’im should be replaced to better manage the issues surrounding the bill, along with proposals for alternative candidates for the position of Federal Territories mufti.

Syed Kamarulzaman said both Na’im and Luqman were appointed to their positions by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong under the law and the constitution, owing to their extensive knowledge and experience in Islamic administration matters.

Na’im’s appointment as senator is based on Clause (1) of Article 45 of the Federal Constitution, while his ministerial appointment as per Article 43 of the Federal Constitution.

The appointment of the FT mufti is according to Section 32 of the Administration of Islamic Law (Federal Territories) Act 1993.

- Bernama