PANEL ON FEDERAL ISLAMIC BODIES TO HOLD INAUGURAL MEETING ON THURSDAY
It’ll summon relevant parties, conduct study over 5 months, says deputy chairman
THE high-level panel on the federal institutions of Islam will convene for its first meeting this Thursday to address matters pertaining to Islamic administration, including in Sabah and Sarawak.
The panel will play a role in improving, effecting change, as well as restructuring the functions and directions of Islamic administration organisations nationwide.
It will also have representatives from Sabah and Sarawak to respect the spirit of the Malaysia Agreement 1963.
Their names will be announced on Thursday.
The panel, whose formation was announced following cabinet approval last week, will convene on Thursday after receiving the instruments of appointment of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong from the Keeper of The Rulers’ Seal.
Orang Kaya-Kaya Imam Paduka Tuan Perak Datuk Dr Afifi alAkiti, who is the panel’s deputy chairman, told the New Straits Times that the panel will focus on all aspects of Islamic administration covering statutory bodies, government agencies, the judiciary, syariah courts, legal matters, halal issues and others.
Afifi, who is also Fellow in Islamic Studies at the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies, did not discount the possibility of the panel studying amendments to existing laws concerning Islam, if the need arises.
“We will convene and summon all relevant parties, including taking in views from NGOs, religious representatives, as well as the public.
“A study, spanning 150 days or five months till the year’s end, will be done before the panel delivers a detailed report on its recommendations.
“This report will serve as a guide towards implementing a restructuring.
“This will include the issue of whether the Islamic Development Department (JAKIM) should be changed or renamed; a decision on whether the syariah courts should be further empowered or otherwise, and more.
“This report will be comprehensive in nature.
“It will play an important role in determining the future of Islamic institutions at the federal level, for the sake of the next generation,” he said.
Malaysia, he said, appears to be on the verge of experiencing a “mid-life crisis” after 61 years of independence.
“As such, we should take this opportunity to do it the right way if any changes, improvements and restructuring are needed for all federal-level Islamic institutions,” he added.
The Malay rulers, at their PreCouncil of the 249th Conference of Rulers on July 10, had given their consent to the formation of the panel, tasked with conducting a complete review of the administration of Islam at the federal level.
The five-member panel will be chaired by former chief secretary to the government Tun Ahmad Sarji Abdul Hamid.
They were appointed by Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Muhammad V, with the consent of the Malay rulers.
Commenting on the panel being placed under the Conference of Rulers, Afifi said the move signified the first step towards preventing Islam from being politicised.
This, he said, means that the panel’s decisions, which would be based on consent from the Malay rulers, would be supported by all political parties, be it the government or the opposition.
“Apart from the five panellists, the panel will also have representatives from Sabah and Sarawak, whose identities will be announced at the meeting on Thursday, out of respect for the spirit of the Malaysia Agreement 1963.
“In addition, all of the country’s political parties will be involved in discussions with the panel, including Umno, Pas and DAP.
“All parties will have a Muslim representative; their names have already been submitted to and accepted by the panel,” he said.
Asked whether the panel would be dissolved after the report is tabled, Afifi replied that it remains to be seen.
“If possible, it will be dissolved as it shoulders a remarkably heavy responsibility.
“But this falls under the jurisdiction of the Conference of Rulers with the agreement of the cabinet, on whether it will remain or otherwise,” he said.