Kuala Lumpur: The Federal Court is set to announce its decision on June 19 regarding the appeal filed by SIS Forum (Malaysia) challenging a fatwa issued by Selangor religious authorities. The fatwa in question declared the organization deviant and contrary to Islamic teachings.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Datuk Zainul Rijal Abu Bakar, counsel for the Selangor Fatwa Committee, confirmed the decision date, stating that the court had informed the involved parties via email on May 20. The Selangor Islamic Religious Council (MAIS) and the Selangor government are also listed as respondents in this appeal.

On August 21, 2023, the Federal Court permitted SIS Forum and its founder, Zainah Mahfoozah Anwar, to appeal a decision by the Court of Appeal, which had previously dismissed their effort to annul the fatwa. The Court of Appeal had ruled in a 2-1 majority that the fatwa was not a final decision, making it ineligible for judicial review.

SIS Forum's judicial review application was initially dismissed by the High Court on August 27, 2019. The fatwa, issued by the Selangor State Government on July 31, 2014, declared that SIS Forum, along with any individual or group supporting liberalism and pluralism, were deviant and contrary to Islamic teachings.

The fatwa also called for the banning and seizure of any publications promoting liberal or pluralist views and urged the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission to censor social media content deemed inconsistent with Islamic teachings and syariah law.