KUALA LUMPUR: 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 emphasized the bill’s objective to elevate and empower the mufti institution in the Federal Territories, urging an end to actions inciting hatred within the Muslim community.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Syed Kamarulzaman 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. He highlighted that inciting hatred could hinder the government’s efforts to strengthen Islamic administration.
Syed Kamarulzaman stressed the importance of addressing differences of opinion with tolerance and decorum, which he described as core values in fostering a MADANI society. He pointed out that media rep
orts had highlighted social media claims suggesting leadership changes to better manage the bill’s issues, along with proposals for alternative candidates for the position of Federal Territories Mufti.
He reiterated that 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. Mohd Na’im’s appointment as Senator is based on Clause (1) of Article 45 of the Federal Constitution, while his ministerial appointment is in accordance with Article 43 of the Federal Constitution. The appointment of the Mufti of the Federal Territories follows Section 32 of the Administration of Islamic Law (Federal Territories) Act 1993 [Act 505].
