POLICIES related to Islam introduced by the previous administration that are beneficial to Muslims in the country will be retained and continued, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Dr Mohd Na’im Mokhtar said.

It included continuing the agenda to amend the Shariah Courts (Criminal Jurisdiction) Act 1965, better known as Bill 355 that was previously drafted.

“In the context of (Bill 355), I see it as part of an effort to uphold (Islam), which means that overall it is an effort towards empowering the Shariah Court.

“Let me stress that we will defend and continue any previous policy that is beneficial to Islam and the people, because the aim is to produce the best people befitting Islam and the people as a whole,” said Na’im after attending an event with civil servants today.

Asked if Bill 355 will be tabled in the coming parliament session, he said the matter would first be discussed at the cabinet meeting.

It was reported that former religious affairs minister Idris Ahmad was quoted as saying that the proposed bill had been submitted to the Attorney-General’s Chambers, but was not tabled after the dissolution of parliament on October 10. – Bernama, December 9, 2022.