Latest news with #Na'imMokhtar
Malaysian Reserve
a day ago
- Politics
- Malaysian Reserve
Govt to thoroughly review Federal Court decision on SIS fatwa
THE Federal Court's decision to rule that a Selangor fatwa declaring religious liberalism and pluralism as heretical cannot be applied to Sisters in Islam (SIS) will be thoroughly reviewed to ensure that the position and authority of the fatwa institution was not affected in the long term. Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs), Datuk Dr. Mohd. Na'im Mokhtar (picture) stressed that fatwas still play an important role in guiding Muslims on current issues that require Shariah guidance. 'Therefore, close cooperation between the judiciary, legal and religious authorities is very important so that the function and authority of the fatwa institution remains respected within the framework of our country's constitutional system. 'The government will ensure that the administration of Islamic affairs in Malaysia is carried out fairly and based on the principles of shura, knowledge and based on the full implementation of the country's laws,' he said in a statement today. Mohd. Na'im said he took note of the decision made by the Federal Court in favour of the SIS in its challenge against the fatwa issued by the Selangor State Fatwa Committee on 17 July 2014. 'As the Minister of Religious Affairs, I respect the principle of the rule of law and judicial decisions made by the Federal Court as the highest judicial institution in the country's legal system. 'At the same time, the government will continue to defend the position of Islamic religious institutions in line with Article 3 of the Federal Constitution which provides that Islam is the religion of the Federation,' he added. Today, the Federal Court allowed the appeal filed by SIS Forum and its founder, Datin Paduka Zainah Mahfoozah Anwar, regarding the dispute over the decision of the Selangor Fatwa Committee, Selangor Islamic Religious Council. The decision previously declared the organisation as deviant and perverting the true teachings of Islam which were issued and gazetted 11 years ago, thus setting aside the previous decisions of the High Court and Court of Appeal. The Federal Court ruled that the words 'persons who profess the religion of Islam' used in the fatwa can only refer to real people and not artificial persons such as companies or organisations. The Court also added that they, however do not scrutinised the content of the fatwa as it is the purview of the Fatwa Committee — TMR
Free Malaysia Today
a day ago
- Politics
- Free Malaysia Today
Minister respects SIS ruling but says fatwas still vital for guiding Muslims
Religious affairs minister Na'im Mokhtar said fatwas remain essential to guiding Muslims on shariah matters. (Bernama pic) PETALING JAYA : Religious affairs minister Na'im Mokhtar says the Federal Court's decision in favour of Sisters in Islam (SIS) will be studied in detail to ensure that the authority of the country's fatwa institution is not undermined. Voicing respect for the court's ruling today, Naim nevertheless said that fatwas continued to play an important role in guiding Muslims on contemporary issues that require shariah-based direction. 'Strong cooperation between the judiciary, the legal system, and religious authorities is crucial to ensure that the function and authority of the fatwa institution continue to be respected within the framework of our country's constitutional system,' he said in a statement. Nai'm said the unity government remained committed to upholding the administration of Islamic affairs in Malaysia fairly, in accordance with the principles of syura (consultation), knowledge, and the rule of law. He also said that the government would continue to protect the role of Islamic institutions in line with Article 3 of the Federal Constitution, which recognises Islam as the religion of the federation. The court earlier today quashed a 2014 fatwa issued by the Selangor Islamic Religious Council, which labelled SIS as 'deviant' for allegedly promoting liberalism and religious pluralism. Chief Justice Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat, who led the panel, said that a fatwa could not be imposed on an organisation like SIS, which could not 'profess' a religion. She added that the phrase 'persons professing the religion of Islam' in the Federal Constitution refers exclusively to natural persons, not entities such as companies or organisations. SIS failed in its previous challenge of the fatwa in the lower courts between 2019 and 2023.
Free Malaysia Today
2 days ago
- Politics
- Free Malaysia Today
Minister Na'im files defamation suit against lecturer
Religious affairs minister Na'im Mokhtar claimed that on Feb 5 and May 4, lecturer Abu Hafiz Salleh Hudin had published and reposted defamatory, malicious and untrue statements on the latter's X account. PETALING JAYA : Religious affairs minister Na'im Mokhtar has filed a defamation suit against a public university lecturer over alleged defamatory statements posted on social media. Harian Metro reported that Na'im named Abu Hafiz Salleh Hudin as the defendant in the lawsuit filed at the Shah Alam High Court via Messrs Akberdin & Co on June 14. The lawsuit relates to defamatory statements allegedly posted by Abu Hafiz on X and Facebook. In the statement of claim, Na'im said the defendant had shown a consistent pattern in his various public statements since the end of 2024, whether via posts on X or Facebook, or statements published by news portals. He said the statements had directly or indirectly touched on and attacked him in an unfair and excessive manner. Na'im claimed that on Feb 5 and May 4, Abu Hafiz had published and reposted defamatory, malicious and untrue statements on the latter's X account. He said the statements implied he was an arrogant, hard-headed and conceited leader who rejected advice and was unwilling to accept other views in matters related to religion. Na'im also said the statements implied he had failed to effectively carry out his duties, even in simple matters, causing the government's policies and initiatives to become a laughing stock and rejected by a number of MPs. Na'im said the statements also implied that he was an elitist and considered himself superior to other officials, and that he acted contrary to the principles of Islamic leadership. 'It is beyond doubt that the defendant harboured malicious intent towards me. It is also clear that the defendant intended to cause disharmony in society by defaming me,' he said. Na'im is seeking general, aggravated, and exemplary damages from the defendant, as well as an injunction to have the posts removed and to prevent them from being republished.
Malaysiakini
05-06-2025
- Politics
- Malaysiakini
Unauthorised Mujamalah visa offerings haram
The irresponsible act of certain individuals or agents offering Mujamalah visas without valid authentication is haram (unlawful) from the syariah perspective and contrary to Islamic teachings, said Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Na'im Mokhtar. He stated that deceiving others for personal gain is a clear form of fraud and should not be taken lightly by society, especially by Muslims. "Any party that attempts...
Free Malaysia Today
05-06-2025
- Politics
- Free Malaysia Today
Cops finalising probe on LGBT event, says IGP
Inspector-General of Police Razarudin Husain said police also seized a mobile phone from one of the two PSM members for investigation purposes. (Bernama pic) PETALING JAYA : Police are finalising their investigation into a lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender programme planned by PSM's youth wing after recording statements from two members yesterday. Inspector-General of Police Razarudin Husain said the individuals were questioned from 3.10pm to 4.30pm, and that a Huawei mobile phone and a SIM card were seized from one of them. 'A total of 38 questions were posed to them. However, both opted to respond in court,' Berita Harian quoted him as saying. The investigation is being conducted under Section 298A and Section 505(c) of the Penal Code, as well as Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998. Bukit Aman criminal investigation department director Shuhaily Zain previously said that the number of reports received on the event had risen from 21 to 188. Last week, religious affairs minister Na'im Mokhtar urged PSM to cancel its plans for the workshop, themed 'Pride Care: Queer Stories & Sexual Health Awareness'. He said the organisation of such a programme, even if held behind closed doors, clearly challenged societal norms and the religious values of the majority.
