KUALA LUMPUR – Police have opened two investigation papers on two individuals regarding the proposal to form a national committee on Islamic religious affairs.
In a statement, Criminal Investigations Department director Datuk Seri Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain said the case was being investigated by the Bukit Aman’s Classified Crime Investigation Unit under Section 4 (1) of the Sedition Act 1948 and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act.
“The case is still under investigation and police have reminded the public against making any speculation that could disrupt the investigation process,” he said.
“The police also wishes to remind the public to be cautious and vigilant towards sensitive issues especially involving the national security and harmony.”
While Shuhaily did not mention names, the case is believed to be linked to DAP’s Datuk Ngeh Koo Ham, who apologised on December 30 after igniting a storm among Malay Muslims for suggesting non-Muslims as members of a special government committee on shariah laws.
When making the suggestion, he said he expected the committee would include proposals to amend the federal constitution.
Ngeh, who is Beruas MP, said that in addition to a non-Muslim constitutional law expert, a representative from the Malaysian Bar should also sit on the special committee to ensure fairness.
His remarks drew immediate flak from Malay leaders from both sides of the aisle, who accused him of provocation and of undermining confidence in the Malay rulers as the guardians of Islam in their respective states.
After that, DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke said Ngeh’s suggestion to have non-Muslims as members of the special committee on shariah laws was a “mistake”.
Loke also reiterated that the party supports the authorities behind the special committee’s establishment – including the Malay rulers as the guardians of Islam.
Religious affairs minister Datuk Mohd Na’im Mokhtar said Ngeh’s call had no merit, while Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah decreed that non-Muslims should not interfere in the country’s Islamic affairs.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim also said he fully supported the Selangor ruler’s statement, urging non-Muslims to write to the National Council for Islamic Religious Affairs if they had any concerns about Islamic matters.
The special committee was announced earlier this month by Na’im 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 followed Anwar’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. – January 4, 2024