THE government has agreed to set up a special committee sanctioned by the Conference of Rulers in a bid to empower and elevate the status of the shariah court, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said.

He said the committee would conduct research, including discussions with muftis, to gather views in order to formulate regulations that can be implemented to enhance the jurisdiction of the shariah court.

He said the Conference of Rulers is also keen and has given consent for the committee to study ways to enhance the powers of the shariah court over Muslims while ensuring that it does not affect non-Muslims.

“So far, the names of members of this special committee have been consented to by the Conference of Rulers, and they will need to engage with the state Islamic religious councils and state governments before any matter is finalised.

“There are methods that need to be discussed because some states are quite strict and may not agree if we violate the principles mentioned. But whatever proposals this committee may have, the Conference of Rulers must be notified,” he said during Minister’s Question Time at the Dewan Rakyat today.

Anwar was replying to Mohd Azizi Abu Naim (Gua Musang-PN), who wanted to know the federal government’s stance on the notice of petition filed by two women to challenge the Kelantan Shariah Criminal Code (I) Enactment 2019, and the government’s efforts to safeguard shariah laws.

Anwar said any decision by the Federal Court regarding the constitutional challenge proceedings by the two Muslim women would not hinder the government’s efforts to strengthen the shariah court through the committee.

“That is why we have this special committee, to coordinate the implementation of the law. Imagine if the states are given unlimited space to enact laws, each state does its own thing, and then there will be conflicts among the states,” he said.

Through the committee, Anwar said, any proposals for amendments and improvements to the shariah court would have to obtain the consent of the Conference of Rulers before being tabled in parliament.

Anwar also said the public should have a correct understanding of the case because it is not about challenging shariah law but rather challenging considerations involving state powers in the Federal Constitution.

“There is a perception that these Muslims (women in the case) are challenging shariah law because politicians have been exploiting the religious aspect of it but, in reality, the issue is about jurisdiction, where each state can make its own laws,” he said.

“So don’t use this to raise the political temperature and spread hatred, claiming that the prime minister is indifferent to shariah matters.” – Bernama, November 21, 2023.