KUALA LUMPUR: In a recent announcement reported by Astro Awani, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim expressed his firm backing for Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah’s declaration cautioning non-Muslims against interfering in Islamic matters within the country. This proclamation echoes Sultan Sharafuddin’s call for non-Muslims to uphold respect and refrain from involvement in issues pertaining to Islam.
Anwar emphasized the importance of maintaining religious boundaries and proposed a proactive approach. He suggested that in cases of any concerns arising, individuals from the non-Muslim community should direct their inquiries to the National Council for Islamic Religious Affairs Malaysia (MKI) for resolution. This proactive step, according to Anwar, aims to foster a harmonious environment and understanding among diverse religious communities.
Sultan Sharafuddin, in his role as the chairman of MKI, highlighted the council’s pivotal responsibility concerning all Islamic matters. The council comprises experts well-versed in various fields, notably Islamic law, and its nuanced applications. His call for mutual respect extends beyond non-Muslims, urging followers of other faiths to emulate the Islamic principle of non-interference in religious affairs, fostering an atmosphere of understanding and tolerance.
The article also addressed previous proposals made by political figures, such as Datuk Ngeh Koo Ham, advocating for non-Muslim experts’ involvement in formulating Islamic laws. However, this proposition faced skepticism from Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department for Religious Affairs, Datuk Dr. Mohd Na’im Mokhtar, who deemed it lacking in substantial foundation.
Additional perspectives on the matter were shared by prominent figures within the political landscape, including DAP’s Secretary-General Anthony Loke and UMNO’s Secretary-General, Datuk Dr. Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki, reflecting the varied viewpoints surrounding this sensitive issue.