MULTI-religious group Malaysian Consultative Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism and Taoism (MCCBCHST) has raised concerns that the proposed Federal Territories (FT) Mufti Bill could make fatwas legally binding, potentially infringing on non-Muslim rights and bypassing Parliament’s authority.
The group argues that legislative power is constitutionally reserved for Parliament and that the FT Mufti and Fatwa Committee lack the legal standing to issue enforceable laws.
“We are deeply concerned that the FT Mufti Bill, if passed, could lead to fatwas being enforced as laws without any recourse for non-Muslims,” said the MCCBCHST.
“This is a direct challenge to the Constitution, which clearly grants legislative power solely to the Parliament. The mufti and his committee have no constitutional basis to issue laws that affect the entire nation.”
Retired judge Datuk Dr Hamid Sultan Abu Bakar echoed these concerns, calling the bill a “direct attack” on Malaysia’s Constitution, as it would grant legislative powers to a religious body, contrary to the Federal Constitution’s provisions.
“The FT Mufti Bill seeks to give the mufti legislative powers, which is not in line with the structure of the Federal Constitution. The Constitution stipulates that only Parliament can make laws, not religious bodies,” he said.
For netizens, the concerns raised reflect the potential implications of the proposed FT Mufti Bill if fatwas are made legally binding.
Issues like religious adherence for children, segregation in public services, restrictions on cultural practices, and limitations on non-Muslim freedoms could arise. Such measures may lead to unequal treatment, restrict individual rights, and create friction in a diverse society raised by users in a forum on Low Yat.
The lack of constitutional oversight for these fatwas, as highlighted by MCCBCHST and legal experts, underscores the need for laws to align with the Federal Constitution, ensuring fairness and respect for all Malaysians.
Open dialogue and adherence to constitutional principles are crucial.
A user succinctly said: “It’s no longer salami tactics where the extremists cut slice by slice our social fabric to suit their agenda. Now they want to take chunks at a time.”
On the other hand, political analyst James Chin also chipped in the debate on X. He urged the government of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to listen to the non-Malays and delay the bill, asking why the rush to push this bill through?
PMX, will you listen to the non-Malays and delay the bill? Why the rush? Why are you ignoring the views of non-Muslim Malaysians? Are they second-class? Surely as the Govt, you should at least hold a dialogue with them.#Malaysia #PoliticalIslam pic.twitter.com/kPkMuWzpzV
— James Chin (@jameschin110) November 15, 2024
Main photo credit: Samudera.my
