Syariah and Harmonisation of Law division hailed by various parties

PETALING JAYA: The setting up of the Syariah and Harmonisation of Law division to better address issues pertaining to Islam and syariah has been hailed by various parties.

MCA Religious Harmony Bureau head Datuk Seri Ti Lian Ker said the body could play a vital role in ensuring that laws “harmonised” with the secular spirit of the Constitution and the country’s multicultural society.

“The division must uphold the spirit of the Constitution as the supreme law of the land,’’ he said when contacted yesterday.

Ti said the division must uphold a balanced view and consider the views of minority groups.

“The division cannot take a one-sided view just because it is made up of a select few.

“It must adopt an inclusive approach for it to advise the Government on policies which are fair,” he added.

Moderation advocate Mohamed Tawfik Ismail said the division must make it clear as to which areas needed harmonisation.

“While it provides a good reference point to resolve issues pertaining to Islam and syariah, the division must make clear its scope and function,’’ he added.

The former MP noted that harmonising religion and law was a complex task as it involved the Constitution and powers of the Rulers.

Syariah and constitutional lawyer Nizam Bashir said the division would help affirm that the Constitution reigned supreme.

“The setting up of the division may be in response to cases coming before the courts.

“It will be helpful to have a reference point for such issues to be directed to,’’ he added.

The Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) yesterday announced the setting up of a special department called the Syariah and Harmonisation of Law division.

Besides addressing issues pertaining to Islam and syariah law that may arise at the federal and international level, the division aims to harmonise civil and syariah laws to “overcome conflict of jurisdiction between both courts”.

The AGC also hoped that the setting up of the division would ensure that it addressed syariahrelated issues “in a more effective manner, in line with current needs”.

The setting up of the division comes days after the Apex court declared the conversion of M. Indira Gandhi’s three children to Islam by her ex-husband Muhammad Riduan Abdullah as null and void, putting an end to the eight-year legal saga.