MAIWP Urges Respect For Govt's Efforts To Draft Mufti Bill

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 2 (Bernama) --  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 chairman 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) Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar and Federal Territory Mufti Datuk Prof Madya Dr Luqman Abdullah, describing such suggestions as unwarranted.

“Inciting hatred within the Muslim community must stop immediately, especially regarding the positions of the Minister (Religious Affairs) and the Mufti of the Federal Territories, 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 here today.

Media reports had highlighted social media claims suggesting that Mohd 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 Mohd 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.

Mohd Na'im’s appointment as Senator is based on Clause (1) of Article 45 of the Federal Constitution, while his ministerial appointment is per Article 43 of the Federal Constitution, and the appointment of the Mufti of the Federal Territories is according to Section 32 of the Administration of Islamic Law (Federal Territories) Act 1993 [Act 505].

-- BERNAMA