PETALING JAYA: All parties should remain calm and refrain from causing any disturbances while waiting for the outcome of the special committee that has been set up to study the competencies of the state legislative assemblies in enacting Islamic laws, says Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah.
The Selangor Ruler, who is also the National Council for Islamic Religious Affairs (MKI) chairman, called on all parties to respect the verdict of the Federal Court and the position of the Federal Constitution as the supreme law of the country which must be supported by all Malaysians.
"On this occasion, I would like to advise the Muslim community in this country, especially Muslim scholars and Islamic thinkers, to always maintain decorum in expressing their views to avoid confusion among Muslims," he said in a statement after chairing the 71st MKI meeting in Putrajaya on Thursday (Feb 15).
On Friday (Feb 9), the Federal Court, in an 8-1 majority decision, ruled that 16 provisions for offences under the Kelantan Syariah Criminal Code Enactment (1) 2019 were null and void because the state legislature did not have the power to enact laws on said offences because there were federal laws covering the same offences.
"Various parties, especially politicians, legal experts, academicians and even the public have made various comments and interpretations of the decision in question. Some comments provide real explanations of the decision of the court verdict.
"However, there are some comments that are based on polemics of certain parties, leading to various confusions among Muslims in the country.
"Some have even characterised the decision of the Federal Court as a 'Black Friday' moment towards the syariah criminal law in this country.
"I have no intention of getting involved in that polemic. I have been informed that the special committee, established following my decree, during the 70th MKi meeting on Aug 28, is currently examining this issue," the Sultan of Selangor added.
"We do not need to openly argue about matters that we can resolve through consultation and privately.
"We need to celebrate differences of opinion and resolve these differences amicably, tactfully, and through proper channels.
"Therefore, it is my hope that my suggestions and advice will be taken as guidance towards unity and the well-being of the Muslim community in this country," said His Royal Highness.
Sultan Sharafuddin said Muslims are aware that religious issues have been politicised for several decades and have become increasingly serious in recent times.
"As a result, there have been hostilities, misunderstandings, and confusion among Muslims. Let us stop quarreling over religious matters. It is time for all Muslims to unite for the strength of the Muslim community.
"When Muslims are strong and united, non-Muslim communities will respect Muslims.
"Furthermore, the administration of Islamic religion in this country should be free from the influence of partisan politics, and the politicisation of every religious matter should be avoided," said the Selangor Ruler.
Sultan Sharafuddin said that his advice was not directed at any particular party but rather a reminder to all politicians not to take advantage of politicising every issue involving Islamic matters, until it becomes a tool for endless political disputes.
"Religious issues can be sensitive to Muslims, so let us refrain from accusing each other on religious issues that, fundamentally, we can resolve together," added Tuanku.
His Royal Highness also said that the special committee has been given a year from the date of its establishment to provide recommendations to MKI which will be subsequently raised to the Conference of Rulers for the matter to be reviewed and deliberated.
"I understand that this is a heavy responsibility borne by the special committee but I believe that with the experience and qualifications of its members and the permission from Allah, a solution can be achieved for the benefit of all parties, especially the Muslim community in this country," added His Royal Highness.
