SHAH ALAM – The decision on the drafting of the Federal Territories Mufti Bill 2024, which will be determined by Members of Parliament, including Members of the Dewan Rakyat and the Dewan Negara, must take into account the needs of the Muslim community in the Federal Territories.
Malaysian Syariah Lawyers Association president Musa Awang said that a vote from the public was necessary, even though the Bill would only apply to those within the Federal Territories.
"We need to consider the vote, how many agree or disagree, because it is the people who will face the implications of this Bill later on," he said.
He added that the decision made by the Members of Parliament would affect the Federal Territories, not Malaysia as a whole.
Musa made these comments during the Wacana Sinar programme, edition 464, titled 'Unraveling the Confusion of the Mufti Bill,' on Thursday.
The programme was hosted by Azlan Shah Nabees Khas and featured two other panellists, Dewan Negara member Datuk Seri Mujahid Yusof and religious preacher Wan Ji Wan Hussin. It was broadcast live across all of Sinar Harian's social media platforms.
Musa added that 222 Members of Parliament were responsible for making decisions regarding the drafting of the Bill.
"We see that in the Federal Territories, there are only about 13 parliamentary constituencies, including Putrajaya and Labuan, but overall, there are 222 elected representatives, and these are not necessarily MPs from those constituencies,” he said.
Additionally, Musa said that the public would start to become confused if discussions about the Bill were prolonged.
He said that Members of Parliament should listen to and consider the issues raised among the Muslim community regarding the matter.
"We cannot stop the public from talking about this issue. Too much talk and debate will lead to the emergence of two groups of religious experts.
"One side says one thing, while the other side says something different. This polemic will continue to grow and be prolonged,” he added.