PRIME Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s recent comments on the opposition to the Mufti (Federal Territories) Bill 2024 reveal a concerning approach.
By framing criticism as “Islamophobia,” he risks undermining genuine discourse about a significant legislative measure.
Calling for “constructive criticism” while dismissing opposition to the Bill due to its religious nature is not conducive to open debate especially when the concerns are based on the Bill’s impact – not on opposition to Islam itself.
If opposing this Bill could be deemed Islamophobic, then Anwar is aligning himself uncomfortably close to the rhetoric of more extremist religious political factions.
If PAS president Tan Sri Hadi Awang and Perlis Mufti Datuk Dr Mohd Asri Zainal Abidin – both conservative Muslim leaders – have voiced objections, are they also to be labelled as anti-Islam?
Their resistance is not rooted in anti-religious sentiment but in the potential implications that the Bill holds, particularly its doctrinaire approach.
Call for inclusivity
The primary concern among critics, including a notable number of Malay Muslims, is not secularist or liberal in nature; rather, it lies in the Bill’s provisions which appear to elevate the FT Mufti’s role from advisory to a more authoritative capacity.
Such a shift could potentially encroach upon the constitutional powers of the Malay ruler, creating unintended political and religious tensions.
By leaning toward a dominant interpretation of Islam, the Bill risks alienating other schools of thought. It narrows Islamic interpretation rather than promoting a pluralistic, inclusive approach.
This narrowing of Islam is at the heart of conservative objections raised by both Hadi and Asri who have argued that imposing a singular viewpoint does not benefit Malaysia’s diverse Muslim community.
For a government that champions unity under its Madani platform, the decision to push this legislation further raises questions about political motives.
Even former de facto law minister Datuk Zaid Ibrahim has insightfully pointed out that empowering the mufti to issue binding edicts could inadvertently transform religious guidance into enforceable law.
Yet, neither Anwar nor Religious Affairs Minister Datuk Dr Mohd Na’im Mokhtar has articulated a compelling rationale for the Bill’s necessity.
Effect on non-Muslims
When the Religious Affairs Minister declined a dialogue with Mufti Asri, it signalled a troubling reluctance to engage with dissenting views – a stance that does not align with the ideals of inclusive governance.
If the Bill passes as it currently stands, it may not only affect Muslims but could also have indirect repercussions for non-Muslim communities.
What would prevent a future FT Mufti from issuing religious edicts that impact interfaith interactions such as guidelines on food consumption or participation in non-Muslim cultural events?
While these concerns may not yet be addressed in the Bill, there is no guarantee that future interpretations would remain within such boundaries.
For the Madani government, a commitment to the well-being of all Malaysians means fostering unity – not deepening religious divides.
Anwar’s attempt to bolster his Islamic credentials should not come at the expense of national harmony or risk fracturing the country further along religious lines.
It would be prudent to withdraw the Mufti (FT) Bill and pursue a legislative framework that respects both Islamic diversity and the rights of all Malaysians – Muslims and non-Muslims alike.
In the end, a government that values inclusivity over political expediency would prioritise building bridges over cementing divisions.
Anwar must decide whether he will genuinely represent the spirit of Madani or continue to play to different audiences with a divisive agenda. – Nov 6, 2024
Former DAP stalwart and Penang chief minister II Prof Ramasamy Palanisamy is chairman of the United Rights of Malaysian Party (Urimai) interim council.
The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Focus Malaysia.
Main image credit: Anwar Ibrahim/Facebook
