KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 8 — Datuk Zaid Ibrahim sarcastically suggested today that fatwas be issued for everything in Malaysia, from the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) agreement to 1 Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB), after some states banned vaping that has been declared “haram”.

The former de facto law minister noted that Malaysia used to depend on Cabinet rulings, but with the advent of the Islamic proclamations, state governments have now banned business activities considered forbidden by religious authorities.

“I think we should be consistent. Either we take fatwas seriously and make them applicable to all and sundry; or people will think we are a bunch of double barrel hypocrites, putting Islam in ridicule,” Zaid wrote in a blog post titled “Land of fatwas”.

“Let the fatwa committees deliberate and decide on all issues affecting this Islamic country; although I much prefer the old system when government through the Cabinet or the State Excos decide on matters affecting the public without having to resort to fatwas,” the ex-Umno minister added.

The Malacca state government announced earlier this week a total ban on vaping in accordance with a National Fatwa Council edict that declared vaping as “haram” for Muslims, but has yet to set the effective date of the prohibition.

Negri Sembilan took a slightly different approach, allowing vape sales to continue but only banning the usage of electronic cigarettes among Muslims.

National news agency Bernama reported the Pahang Fatwa Committee yesterday as banning Muslims from vaping, with Pahang Islamic Religious and Malay Customs Council president Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah reportedly saying that those who go against the ban will be “punished severely”.

Zaid pointedly suggested that fatwas be issued for the sale of 1MDB land to “foreigners who are communists and who do not believe in God”, referring to the state investment firm’s sale of its stake in Bandar Malaysia to a China consortium, as well as for the Pacific trade treaty TPP.

“The Attorney-General should also consult the fatwa committee in deciding what to do with the MACC’s 1MDB report,” he said, referring to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission.

“Let’s not forget a fatwa for business dealings with non-Muslims. Not only do we need a separate digital mall for Malays, we also need separate supermarkets, restaurants and hotels. As for airlines, I suggest let Rayani Air take care of all Muslims who want to fly in peace and give MAS to the infidels,” Zaid added, referring to Malaysia Airlines.

Zaid also told the Pahang Fatwa Committee to issue a fatwa on bauxite mining in the state, since the MACC has uncovered corruption, and on the Genting casino.

“Even cases that come to the courts should be subject to fatwa rulings. This would dispense with the need for judges to make excuses for their decisions.

“At the rate we are going, we will have the most fatwas in the Muslim world; and that’s consistent with the Shariah compliant government we now have in Putrajaya,” he said sarcastically.