KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 3 — The Mufti (Federal Territories) Bill 2024 is expected to be tabled for the second reading at the next Parliament session to allow ongoing engagement sessions to be completed.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na’im Mokhtar said the Federal Territories Mufti Department is now conducting engagement sessions with relevant stakeholders to strengthen understanding of the bill’s purpose and provisions.
“There are many important bills scheduled for tabling in this Parliament session. While the Federal Territories Mufti Department continues its engagement with stakeholders, we will give way for other bills to proceed first.
“The second reading will therefore not be tabled this time and will be brought forward in the next session,” he told reporters after officiating the National Madani Convention: Islamic Spiritual Care 2025 at the Federal Territory Mosque here today.
Also present was Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM) director-general Datuk Dr Sirajuddin Suhaimee.
On August 29, the media reported that the debate on the bill had been postponed for the fourth time since it was tabled for its first reading in the Dewan Rakyat in July last year.
The bill aims, among other things, to provide for matters relating to the mufti and the determination of Islamic law and doctrine.
It also outlines the function and role of the mufti in assisting and advising the Yang di-Pertuan Agong on all matters relating to Islamic law, the procedures for issuing fatwas, giving opinions on Islamic law in court, and determining the direction of the Qibla.
The bill also details the establishment of several committees, such as the Federal Territories Fatwa Committee, the Falak Syarie (Islamic Astronomy) Committee, the Rukyah Hilal Committee, and the Islamic Religious Teaching Supervisory Committee, all chaired by the mufti. — Bernama
