Minister Hopes Act 355 Amendments Can Be Tabled After Ge15

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Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Idris Ahmad reportedly expressed hope that proposed amendments to the Syariah Courts (Criminal Jurisdiction) Act 1965 (Act 355) would be done after the 15th general election.
According to Bernama, the minister said the cabinet had approved proposing the bill on Aug 26 and passed the matter to the Attorney-General’s Chambers.
However, the amendment bill was not tabled in Parliament because it has been dissolved to pave way for the election.
“Therefore, I hope the new government will be able to table the bill in an effort to strengthen criminal jurisdiction of Syariah courts in this country,” he was quoted as saying.
Idris (above) said this to reporters after attending a thanksgiving ceremony at Menara Tabung Haji in Kuala Lumpur today.
Colloquially referred to as the “hudud bill”, the proposed amendments would empower Syariah courts to impose stiffer maximum penalties. This would, in turn, enable partial implementation of the Islamic penal code in Kelantan.
On another matter, Idris reportedly advised Muslims to report dubious preachers from abroad to the religious authorities of their respective states.
He said cooperation from all parties was crucial to ensure that the authorities can carry out a detailed investigation and curb unrecognised preachers.
It is understood Idris was referring to a self-proclaimed descendant of Prophet Muhammad, who had reportedly toured several locations in Malaysia recently before returning to his home country, Morocco.
Sayyid Muhammad Amin Al Idrisi Al Hasani Al Maghrobi“According to guidelines from Jakim (Department of Islamic Development Malaysia), we have no problems with preachers who are not against Ahli Sunnah Wal Jamaah, but those who cause conflict and division, we do not allow.
“That is why I advised those who wanted to seek knowledge to learn from teachers who practice their knowledge and compare with those who have been accredited by the authorities.
“If you find anyone dubious, immediately report to the religious department for action,” the minister was quoted as saying. - Mkini

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