Don’t be alarmed on Mufti Bill, Abd Karim tells East M’sian NGOs

KUCHING (Oct 14): East Malaysian non-governmental organisations (NGOs) should not be alarmed by the Mufti Bill 2024, said Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.

The Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) vice-president pointed out the Bill, if passed in Parliament, would only involve the Federal Territories.

“In Malaysia, Islamic law comes under the state. This is the Federal Territory Syariah Bill, which has yet to become a law. If it is agreed by the representatives – the members of parliament (MPs), it will only cover the Federal Territories.

“Why are these NGOs getting excited over the Bill, saying that it will Islamise Sarawak and Sabah? It is not applicable to Sarawak and Sabah – why need to comment about it?” he told a press conference today

A group of 14 NGOs from the Borneo states recently voiced their opposition towards the Mufti Bill 2024, claiming that the Bill violates the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) and constitutes a direct attack on the secular system.

In response, Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil rebutted the claim, giving his assurance that the Bill will not turn the country into an Islamic state.

Saying the Bill closely mirrors the Sabah Fatwa Enactment, which has been in force for the past 20 years, he said the Enactment has never disrupted the cultures and lifestyles of Sabahans.

The Bill is up for the second and third reading in Parliament today.