PETALING JAYA: The Christian Federation of Malaysia (CFM) has said that no consultation had taken place with the government over amendments to the Syariah Courts (Criminal Jurisdiction) Act 1965 Bill (RUU 355).
“The Christian Federation of Malaysia would like to clarify that no such consultation or engagement had taken place with The Christian Federation of Malaysia, or any of our component bodies, in regards to the reviewing of the state assemblies’ competency to enact Islamic laws,” said CFM chairman Cor Episcopa Philip Thomas in a statement on Friday (Oct 18).
On Thursday (Oct 17), Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Islamic Affairs) Dr Zulkifli Hasan informed Parliament that discussions were held with non-governmental organisations concerning the proposed amendments to the Syariah law.
He said engagements were carried out with NGOs such as CFM, National Evangelical Christian Fellowship Malaysia, the Malaysian Taoist Association and Sri Mahamariamman Temple.
The Malaysia Hindu Sangam and Sarawak’s Premier Department’s unit for religious affairs were also invited for discussions, he added.
Zulkifli was responding to a question from Pulai MP Suhaizan Kayat about whether efforts had been made to explain the issue to non-Muslims.
