KUALA LUMPUR, March 26 — The government is conducting comprehensive engagement sessions with stakeholders regarding amendments to the Syariah Courts (Criminal Jurisdiction) Act (Act 355) to strengthen the Shariah court institution, the Dewan Negara was told today.
Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Senator Zulkifli Hasan said that at the same time, several engagement sessions with state governments have also been conducted to obtain feedback on the proposed amendments.
“For your information, we have also established a special committee to study issues related to the competencies of the State Legislative Assembly in enacting Islamic laws and we pray that this committee can provide a comprehensive report, and recommendations to address this long-standing issue.
“Therefore, it is hoped that all parties will be patient and give space to this special committee to conduct their study, and subsequently provide the proposed amendments on all arising issues,” he said when replying to a question from Senator Wan Martina Wan Yusoff.
Zulkifli said the proposed amendments by the special committee would be presented at the National Council for Islamic Religious Affairs (MKI) and the Conference of Rulers for approval, before being brought to the Cabinet meeting. — Bernama
