Clarification on Syariah Law Reforms Engagement
Dr. Zulkifli Hasan’s Statement
Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Islamic Affairs), Dr. Zulkifli Hasan, took to Facebook to clarify his stance on engaging with non-Muslim leaders regarding proposed Syariah law reforms. He emphasized that the intention is to meet with them, not that meetings have already taken place.
Official Invitations Sent
- Dr. Zulkifli stated that official invitations have been extended to non-Muslim organizations as part of the unity government’s commitment to resolving issues through consultation and discussion.
Previous Reports
Earlier reports mentioned Dr. Zulkifli’s engagements with the Christian Federation of Malaysia (CFM), the Malaysian Taoist Association, and the Sri Mahamariamman Temple regarding proposed amendments to the Syariah Courts (Criminal Jurisdiction) Act 1965 Bill (RUU 355).
Stakeholder Engagement
- Dr. Zulkifli highlighted that extensive engagements have been conducted with relevant stakeholders to ensure comprehensive and inclusive explanations of the amendments.
- He emphasized the importance of considering the perspectives of both Muslims and non-Muslims on this issue, leading to engagement sessions with non-Muslim bodies.
Response from CFM
Despite earlier reports, the Christian Federation of Malaysia (CFM) issued a statement denying any meetings with the deputy minister regarding the proposed amendments.
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In summary, Dr. Zulkifli Hasan’s clarification on engaging with non-Muslim leaders for Syariah law reforms sheds light on the government’s commitment to consultation and discussion. While initial reports mentioned engagements with various organizations, CFM has denied such meetings. This development underscores the importance of transparency and accurate communication in matters of legislative reform, emphasizing the need for open dialogue and collaboration between diverse stakeholders to ensure inclusivity and understanding in the decision-making process.