KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has affirmed his full support for the reminder from the Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, for the people, especially non-Muslims, to respect and not interfere in matters related to Islamic affairs in Malaysia.
Anwar in his social media posting said non-Muslim parties could address the National Council for Islamic Religious Affairs Malaysia (MKI) in writing if there were any doubts and to avoid any confusion.
He said this was to resolve any confusion in a harmonious and civilised atmosphere.
Yesterday, the Sultan of Selangor, who is also the MKI chairman, stated in a post on the Selangor Royal Office's Facebook page that MKI holds the trust and responsibility to handle all matters concerning the Islamic community.
His Majesty said the MKI also comprises experts in various fields, especially in law and Islamic matters.
"His Majesty hopes that politicians, especially non-Muslims refrain from constantly meddling in Islamic matters.
"Instead, followers of other religions should emulate Muslims who do not meddle in the affairs of other religions in Malaysia."
His Majesty was responding to a proposal made by Beruas member of parliament, Datuk Ngeh Koo Ham, advising the government to appoint experts from non-Muslim communities to assist the Special Committee to Study the Competence of the State Legislative Assembly in Enacting Islamic Laws established earlier this month.
Datuk Ngeh Koo Ham was quoted as suggesting this step to consider the perspectives of non-Muslims before making any changes to the law.
Koo Ham's suggestion received negative reactions from various parties, including the Minister of Religion, UMNO, and even leaders of the DAP criticised Koo Ham for his suggestion.
Religious Affairs Minister Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar described the suggestion as entirely baseless.
Na'im said in matters concerning the administration of Islamic affairs, including issues related to legal policies and Shariah justice involving the Muslim community, the Religious Affairs Ministry will always refer to MKI.
Umno Secretary-General, Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki, also firmly rejected the suggestion, labelling Koo Ham as 'out of touch with reality.'
He said the clarification aligned with the Federal Constitution, and the DAP representative's proposal would only spark unnecessary controversies in the harmonious atmosphere among people of various religions and races.
Meanwhile, DAP secretary-general, Anthony Loke, had said that Koo Ham's suggestion was a misjudgment regarding the founding reasons behind the committee's authority.
