KUALA LUMPUR: The Special Committee Studying Issues Related to the Competence of the State Legislative Assemblies to Enact Islamic Laws is expected to present its proposed solutions to the National Council for Islamic Religious Affairs (MKI) and the Conference of Rulers by of the year, the Dewan Rakyat was told today.
Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Senator Dr Zulkifli Hasan said after 22 sessions, for the first time, this special committee will discuss all related issues, not limited to overlapping jurisdiction of Syariah Courts in criminal matters, involving many engagements with relevant stakeholders.
"Referring to the constitutional amendment, it is also within the scope of discussion by this special committee.
"However, it is still in the discussion stage and still getting input from the experts.
"We will strive to provide the best solutions where it will be presented before the end of the year to MKI and the Conference of Rulers," he said in reply to an additional question from Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin (PN-Pagoh).
Muhyiddin asked if the committee would also make the suggestion to amend the Federal Constitution, to clarify the powers of states to enact Islamic criminal laws.
Zulkifli said the committee was established to solve and come up with solutions on at least three things; the competency of state legislative assemblies to enact Islamic laws; jurisdiction of syariah courts under Item 1, List II — State List and Ninth Schedule of the Federal Constitution and the interpretation of the Federal Constitution.
Zulkifli said the government is always striving and taking proactive steps to uphold Islamic laws within the framework set by the Federal Constitution.
"The working paper of this special committee was presented at the 71st MKI held on February 15 and meetings are held regularly.
"It will provide a report on the study findings and views on all arising issues within a period not exceeding one year," he said.
Chaired by former chief justice Tun Zaki Azmi, the committee includes judges, religious council members, legal experts and academics.