KUALA LUMPUR – Non-Muslims with concerns about Islamic affairs in the country can write to the National Council for Islamic Religious Affairs (MKI), Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said.
“If there are any concerns, and to avoid any confusion, non-Muslims can write to the MKI to resolve any concerns in a harmonious and civilised manner,” he said in a statement this morning.
Anwar also stated his support for the statement by the Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, last night, reminding non-Muslims to respect and not interfere in Islamic affairs in the country.
The prime minister’s remarks today follow a slew of statements made yesterday over the proposal by DAP politician Datuk Ngeh Koo Ham, who suggested that non-Muslim experts in constitutional law be made members of the government’s special committee to review the shariah legal system, including the competency of state legislatures to enact shariah laws.
Sultan Saharafuddin, who chairs the MKI, issued the reminder last night after Ngeh’s proposal sparked outcry from politicians from the Malay-Muslim parties Umno, Bersatu and PAS.
Umno secretary-general Datuk Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki said Ngeh’s suggestion only served to provide “unnecessary controversy”, while Bersatu’s Youth (Armada) chief Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal said Ngeh’s proposal could cause public unrest and demanded an apology.
PAS, meanwhile, said the Beruas MP’s suggestion was unnecessary and divisive.
Ngeh was also slammed by other figures from Umno, which is DAP’s ally in the unity government.
DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke then moved to diffuse the situation by calling out Ngeh’s proposal as a “mistake”, while reiterating the party’s support for the authorities, including the Malay rulers who are guardians of Islam, behind the establishment of the special committee.
The committee was announced earlier this month by Religious Affairs Minister Datuk Mohd Na’im Mokhtar to review the competency of state legislatures to create shariah laws, as well as the jurisdiction of the shariah courts as provided for under the federal constitution.
This follows Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s announcement in the Dewan Rakyat last month that Putrajaya will create a committee, sanctioned by the Conference of Rulers, to elevate and strengthen the shariah legal system.
Na’im last night said there was no merit to Ngeh’s call for non-Muslims to be in the special committee.
The religious affairs minister said all appointed members of the special committee have expertise in the federal constitution and civil and shariah laws, qualifying them to conduct studies, provide opinions, and make recommendations. – December 30, 2023