Conference of Rulers' name shouldn't be used to endorse FT Mufti Bill, says Raja of Perlis

KANGAR: The Raja of Perlis, Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Jamalullail, has voiced his disapproval of using the Council of Rulers' name to endorse the Mufti (Federal Territories) Bill.

His disapproval was conveyed by Perlis Mufti Datuk Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin through Facebook on Wednesday (July 10).

In the post, Asri also added a warning that any negative comments might have legal implications.

"His Royal Highness has decreed that I inform that His Majesty does not consent to the name of the Conference of Rulers being used in efforts to support the Federal Territories Mufti Bill," he said.

On July 2, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Mohd Na'im Mokhtar tabled the Mufti (Federal Territories) Bill 2024 for first reading in the Dewan Rakyat.

According to a Bernama report, the Bill, among other things, outlines the mufti’s responsibilities in assisting and advising the King concerning all matters of Syariah law, the procedure for issuing fatwas, views regarding Syariah law in court and determining the direction of the Qibla.

It also details the establishment of the Federal Territories’ Fatwa Committee, Falak Syarie Committee, Rukyah Hilal Committee and Islamic Religious Teaching Supervisory Committee.