Group concerned FT Mufti Bill will impact artistic expression

A group of arts and culture activists have submitted a protest memorandum to Parliament voicing their concerns on the proposed Federal Territories Mufti Bill.

Group spokesperson Arief Hamizan told reporters that they fear the change would directly and indirectly impact the arts and culture community and the people’s daily lives, including non-Muslims.

This is as the bill proposed to give power to the Federal Territories Mufti’s Office to issue fatwas that are binding and enforceable in any court instead of confined to the syariah courts.

“What is particularly concerning for the arts community is the expanded scope of the fatwa bill, its potential impact on expression and the way in which cultural workers are able to create work.

“It also restricts what I think is a fundamental democratic right, especially when it comes to Malaysia,” he said after handing the memorandum to Selayang MP William Leong today.

Pen Malaysia, the Malaysia Writers Society, ReformaARTsi, the Centre for Independent Journalism (CIJ), the Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre, and filmmaker Dain Said were among those who endorsed the memorandum.

In its appeal, the group called for the bill to be thoroughly debated and urged Parliament to reject it if necessary, ensuring transparency and public understanding of its wide-ranging implications.

Arief also highlighted concerns about Section 11 of the bill, which outlines the operation and application of fatwas.

“Some groups have mentioned that before this (bill reading), we were able to depart from a fatwa even if it’s binding based on personal belief.

“That is silent within this proposed bill,” he said.

Widespread public opposition

An online petition supporting the memorandum gathered nearly 2,000 signatures in just two days, which he said reflected widespread public opposition.

The bill, first tabled on July 2 by Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Mohd Na’im Mokhtar, sets out laws on the mufti’s role, fatwas, Islamic law, and related matters, including advising the Agong, issuing fatwas, guiding Syariah Court cases, and determining the qibla (direction to perform prayers).

READ MORE: KINIGUIDE | Polemics surrounding FT Mufti Bill

Its introduction has drawn attention from religious scholars, NGOs, and other concerned individuals including Sisters in Islam who said the bill would empower the government to dictate Muslim lives.

Last month, the Malaysian Consultative Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism, and Taoism (MCCBCHST) also expressed concerns about the bill’s potential to make fatwas legally binding, potentially infringing on the rights of non-Muslims.

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