PSM backs SIS ahead of apex court ruling on 'deviant' fatwa

Summary

• PSM expresses support for SIS before a Federal Court ruling on the legality of a fatwa declaring the NGO as deviant.

• Party argues that labelling SIS as deviant without fair dialogue is an abuse of power, threatening freedom and justice.

• PSM also calls out political parties that claim to support reform but have been remiss in defending SIS.

PSM has voiced its support for Sisters in Islam (SIS) ahead of a landmark Federal Court decision tomorrow (June 19), saying the ruling will have far-reaching implications on civil society at large.

The apex court is set to determine the legality of a fatwa by the Selangor Islamic Religious Department (Jais), gazetted on July 31, 2014, which declared SIS and other organisations that subscribe to “liberalism and religious pluralism” as deviant from Islamic teachings.

In a statement today, PSM said the court’s decision will not just affect SIS but also all civil society efforts to uphold democracy, freedom of thought, and the right to dissent.

“The action of labelling a civil society organisation as deviant without a fair process of dialogue constitutes an abuse of power.

“This opens the door to systematic oppression of progressive voices and social justice advocates,” said PSM gender bureau representative Egha Elias.

Elaborating, Egha said the values enshrined in the Federal Constitution and Rukun Negara - freedom, humanity, and justice - are under threat, with terms like “liberal” and “progressive” now being weaponised to attack groups that promote reform and critical thinking in religious discourse.

At the same time, PSM praised SIS for its long-standing work to empower women through a just and inclusive Islamic framework, noting its contributions in education, legal advocacy, and public outreach.

“Even in Islamic history, traditions of tajdid (renewal) and ijtihad (independent reasoning) have been the foundation of a dynamic and evolving understanding of the religion.

“Room for differing opinions and interpretations is a sign of a mature society,” said Egha.

‘Today it’s SIS, tomorrow it could be us’

The party also criticised what it described as the silence of some political parties that claim to champion reform but have failed to defend SIS in the face of religious censure.

“True reform requires the courage to stand up for justice, not just campaign rhetoric,” said Egha, who urged all Malaysians, particularly civil society groups and those committed to justice, to stand in solidarity with SIS.

“Today, it is SIS under attack. Tomorrow, it could be any of us,” she stressed.

On Aug 21, 2023, the Federal Court granted leave to SIS and its founder, Zainah Mahfoozah Anwar, to appeal against the Court of Appeal’s earlier decision dismissing their bid to annul the fatwa.

In a 2-1 majority decision, the Court of Appeal held that the fatwa issued by the Selangor Fatwa Committee did not constitute a final decision and, therefore, could not be challenged by way of judicial review.

SIS Forum and Zainah had appealed to the Court of Appeal after the High Court dismissed their application for a judicial review on Aug 27, 2019.

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