Share |

Saturday 23 April 2011

No need for amendment on status of Islam, says minister

The Star

THERE is no need to amend the status of Islam in the Federal Constitution as the official religion of the federation, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Jamil Khir Baharom said.

He added that amending its status as the “official religion of the Federation” into an “official religion” would restrict its scope and usage to official functions and religious rituals only.

“There is no requirement to amend Article 3 (1) of the Constitution.

“It is because this provision already gives recognition to Islam as the official religion of the Federation.

“The term ‘Islam as official religion of the Federation’ forms the basis of Government policies and laws which were created in accordance with Islamic principles.

“The provision has been accepted by the people of other races and origins in the country.

“This includes their freedom to practise other religions,” he told Senator Ahmad Hussin.

Ahmad had asked whether the Government would amend the article to include the word “official” and “Sunnah Wal Jammah”.

Jamil Khir also said that there was no need to add the words “Sunnah Wal Jammah” or Sunni to the term Islam in the Constitution.

“Although this is not stated in the Constitution, the National Fatwa Council had on May 6, 1996, decreed that Malaysian Muslims are required to adhere to Sunni teachings,” he added.

No comments: