By Sheeda Fathil
SHAH ALAM, Feb 16 — The state government honours the decree of Sultan Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah Alhaj, who has urged all parties to respect the decisions of the Federal Court as the supreme law of the country.
Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari said the state administration abides by the guidelines and framework established by the Federal Constitution in issues concerning the enactment of Syariah criminal laws.
He said it could clearly be seen that efforts of the Federal government in amending the constitution are to strengthen Syariah enactments.
“Today (yesterday), the National Council of Islamic Religious Affairs (MKI) issued a statement, addressed by the Selangor Ruler.
“As the Menteri Besar, I highly respect His Royal Highness’ decree, which views this issue as constitutional matters and the administration of the state and Syariah, rather than politicising the matter as done by some parties,” he said when met after the launch of the assembly with the Selangor Civil Defence Force (APM) at Dewan Jubli Perak, here yesterday.
Yesterday, Sultan Sharafuddin, who chaired the 71st MKI meeting, stressed the importance of looking for a solution to overcome any matters arising by studying methods to expand the state legislative assemblies’ competency to enact Syariah criminal law in the framework set out by the Federal Constitution.
His decree was related to the Federal Court’s February 9 decision declaring 16 provisions under the Kelantan Syariah Criminal Code Enactment 2019 null and void.
The Royal Highness said a special committee to study issues related to the competencies of the state legislative assembly in enacting Islamic law, which was set up following the 70th MKI meeting on August 28, 2023, is currently looking into the matter.
The Selangor Ruler also called on all parties, including legal experts, to assist the special committee by providing knowledgeable, thoughtful and practical suggestions to facilitate the committee in carrying out its duties.
