KUALA LUMPUR: The Christian Federation of Malaysia (CFM) was not consulted in regards to the amendments to the Syariah Courts (Criminal Jurisdiction) Act 1965 (Amendment) Bill, also known as RUU 355.
Its chairman Cor Episcopa Philip Thomas said neither the federation nor any of its component bodies had been consulted in the matter.
He denied a claim made by Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Minister Dr Zulkifli Hasan that CFM was consulted on the matter.
Zulkifli had told the Dewan Rakyat yesterday that non-governmental organisations such as CFM, the Malaysian Taoist Association, and Sri Mahamariamman Temple were were involved in the discussions.
Yesterday, Zulkifli updated the Dewan Rakyat about matters pertaining to the Syariah Courts (Criminal Jurisdiction) Act 1965 (Amendment) Bill, also known as RUU 355 and how non-Muslim bodies such as CFM are consulted when amendments are made to Islamic laws.
Zulkifli had been responding to a question from Pakatan Haparan's Pulai member of parliament Suhaizan Kayat.
The bill, among others, deals with matters related to the mufti, rulings and doctrines according to Islamic laws and related matters in the Federal Territories.
It comprises nine sections including the introductory section, Mufti and Deputy Mufti, Fatwa Committee, the issuance of fatwas, determination of the qibla, Falak Syarie (Syariah Astronomy) committee, Rukyah Hilal (sighting of the new moon) Committee, Islamic Teachings Oversight Committee, aqidah (faith) discussions and various other matters.