KUALA LUMPUR:The Mufti (Federal Territories) Bill 2024 has been postponed to the next Dewan Rakyat sitting, announced Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Dr Zulkifli Hasan.
He explained that the postponement was made under Clause 62 of the Dewan Rakyat Standing Orders, following the oral question and answer session, today (Dec 12).
The bill, which is scheduled for its second reading in the current sitting, was tabled for the first reading on July 2. It aims, among other things, to make provisions concerning mufti, and address matters related to Islamic law and doctrine.
The bill outlines the roles and functions of the mufti in assisting and advising the Yang di-Pertuan Agong on matters of Islamic law, establishing procedures for issuing fatwas, offering legal opinions in court, and determining the direction of the Qibla (the direction for prayer).
It also proposes the establishment of several committees, including the Federal Territories Fatwa Committee, the Falak Syarie (Syariah Astronomy) Committee, the Rukyah Hilal (sighting of the new moon) Committee, and the Islamic Religious Teaching Supervision Committee, all to be chaired by the mufti. — BERNAMA