Navigating Syariah Law: Perak's Protocol for Amending Islamic Criminal Code

Navigating Syariah Law: Perak's Protocol for Amending Islamic Criminal Code

23 Feb 2024

Ronny M
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Image Credit: TheStar


In the wake of the Federal Court's decision to invalidate 16 provisions of Kelantan's Syariah criminal laws, any adjustments to the Syariah Criminal Code in Perak must receive prior consent from Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah, asserts Datuk Mohammad Zahir Abdul Khalid.


Mohammad Zahir, the Speaker of the Perak legislative assembly, emphasizes that such amendments, which pertain to Islamic affairs falling under the jurisdiction of Sultan Nazrin, necessitate his consent before being tabled in the state assembly.


Highlighting the procedural requirements, Mohammad Zahir explains that proposed amendments must first pass through a committee under the Perak Islamic Religious and Malay Customs Council (MAIPk) before being presented at the MAIPk conference.


"This process, mandated by the state constitution, underscores the importance of securing His Royal Highness's consent prior to the committee's discussions within MAIPk," Mohammad Zahir tells reporters during a briefing on the upcoming state assembly sitting scheduled for February 23.


Despite expectations of a robust assembly session, Mohammad Zahir notes the absence of any emergency motions submitted by assemblymen for the upcoming sitting, which is slated to run from February 23 to 29. The assembly will be formally opened by Sultan Nazrin on February 23.


In a significant legal development, the Federal Court's ruling on February 9 invalidated 16 out of the 18 provisions of the Kelantan Syariah Criminal Code, a decision resulting from a legal challenge initiated by lawyer Nik Elin Zurina Nik Abdul Rashid and her daughter, Tengku Yasmin Natasha Tengku Abdul Rahman.


Expressing solidarity and compassion, Mohammad Zahir extends his wishes for the swift recovery of Kuala Sepetang assemblyman Ahmad Man from Perikatan Nasional, who recently underwent heart surgery at the National Heart Institute (IJN) on February 15.


"As a community, we unite in prayer for his speedy recovery post-surgery," Mohammad Zahir adds, highlighting the assembly's collective concern for the health and well-being of its members.


The call for prayers echoes a broader sentiment of unity and empathy within the Perak legislative assembly, underscoring the assembly's commitment to upholding both legal protocol and communal support amidst legal and health challenges.