PUTRAJAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim says the Conference of Rulers wants amendments to the Syariah Courts (Criminal Jurisdiction) Act 1965 (Bill 355) to be made carefully.
Speaking at the opening of the Convention to Dignify Malaysia's Syariah Law and Judiciary, Anwar mentioned that he had met the Sultan of Perak, Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah, Chairman of the National Council for Islamic Religious Affairs (MKI), last week regarding Bill 355.
"So far, I have not seen any objections or problems either from the chief justice, who has approved this effort, and the Conference of Rulers, who have been given an initial briefing.
"The Conference of Rulers gave its consent but asked for the bill to be examined, so it is not seen as hasty or manifesting weaknesses in its implementation," he said.
He added that the government will present the results of the negotiations on Bill 355 to MKI next month.
"But of course, it cannot be finalised yet because my discussions with the Sultan of Perak should be taken to the international level, before being referred to the Attorney General's Chambers and then to the Conference of Rulers. Due to issues of Islam, customs, and citizenship, certain matters must be approved by the Conference of Rulers," he said.
Anwar stated that amendments to Bill 355 should be made carefully and consider the views of all parties, including the Syariah Court, the Civil Court, and international legal experts.
He emphasised that this cautious approach was not an excuse to delay or underestimate past efforts, but several major weaknesses in the provisions should be referred to both the Attorney General's Chambers and international experts.
"We aim to introduce a comprehensive document that dignifies Islamic law. It should harmonise the position and strength of the Syariah Court and the Civil Court," he said.
Anwar has instructed Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs), and the Islamic Development Department (Jakim) to coordinate with international Islamic legal experts on this matter.
"I have asked the committee to consult all views, whether they agree or disagree with the proposed amendments before presenting it to MKI.
"If we want to amend, it should be a truly comprehensive amendment to ensure our seriousness in implementing Bill 355 is not disputed," he said.
Anwar also mentioned his meetings with the Sultan of Perak and the Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah (former MKI Chairman), regarding the amendment.
"They both agree with the initial framework presented by the expert committee and Mohd Na'im, but we want it to be thoroughly researched.
"I thank Mohd Na'im for speeding up this process, and Sultan Nazrin has expressed his willingness to discuss this at the meeting at the end of August," he said.
Bill 355 aims to increase the limited jurisdiction of the Syariah Court, which is currently a fine of RM5,000 or three years in prison and/or six lashes, to a jurisdiction more in accordance with Syariah law, except for the death penalty.
