Kuala lumpur: The Mufti (Federal Territories) Bill 2024 is anticipated to be tabled for its second reading during the forthcoming Parliament session. This decision allows for the completion of ongoing engagement sessions.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar stated that the Federal Territories Mufti Department is actively conducting engagement sessions with relevant stakeholders. These sessions are crucial for enhancing the understanding of the bill's purpose and provisions.

"There are many important bills scheduled for tabling in this Parliament session. While the Federal Territories Mufti Department continues its engagement with stakeholders, we will give way for other bills to proceed first. The second reading will therefore not be tabled this time and will be brought forward in the next session," Mohd Na'im mentioned to reporters after officiating the National MADANI Convention: Islamic Spiritual Care 2025 at the Federal Territory Mosque. Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM) director-general Datuk Dr Sirajuddin Suhaimee was also present at the event.

The media reported on August 29 that the debate on the bill had been postponed for the fourth time since its first reading in the Dewan Rakyat in July of the previous year. The bill seeks to address various matters concerning the mufti and the determination of Islamic law and doctrine.

Key aspects of the bill include defining the role and function of the mufti in advising the Yang di-Pertuan Agong on Islamic law matters, procedures for issuing fatwas, providing legal opinions in court, and determining the Qibla's direction. Moreover, the bill proposes the establishment of several committees, including the Federal Territories Fatwa Committee, the Falak Syarie (Islamic Astronomy) Committee, the Rukyah Hilal Committee, and the Islamic Religious Teaching Supervisory Committee, all chaired by the mufti.