KUALA LUMPUR: All quarters are urged to respect the government’s move to draft the Mufti (Federal Territories) Bill to uphold the stature and position of the mufti institution in line with Article 3 of the Federal Constitution and relevant laws applicable in the Federal Territories. Malaysian Syariah Officers’ Association (PPSM) president Abu Suffian Abu Yaziz, in a statement today, said the Mufti Bill was formulated in accordance with existing legal frameworks, as enshrined in the Ninth Schedule, State List of the Federal Constitution.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Abu Suffian emphasized that PPSM rejects calls from certain parties for the minister responsible for religious affairs and the Federal Territories Mufti to resign over differences in the ijtihad approach or opinions on finalizing the Bill. He highlighted that such differences should be handled with respect, especially in bridging the gaps in thought, understanding, and belief among Muslims today. He stated that demands for resignations are ne
ither healthy nor professional in organizational leadership unless there are clear governance violations or proven incompetence.
In a separate statement, Religious Services Staff Association (PKPU) secretary Norzaidan Hamad expressed concern over the calls to replace the Federal Territories Mufti and the minister of religious affairs regarding the proposed amendments to the Bill. Norzaidan warned that such suggestions disrespect the leadership and religious institutions that underpin harmony within the Muslim community and could erode public trust in these institutions.
PKPU firmly rejects any baseless demands to replace the Federal Territories Mufti or minister of religious affairs solely over differing approaches or opinions. The association also called for continued support for the proposed amendments to the Mufti Bill as a strategic measure to strengthen religious institutions in Malaysia. Norzaidan stated that with strong support, religious institutions can continue to function effectively, uphold just
ice, and safeguard the harmony of the MADANI society.
