TASEK PAUH blogspot

KUALA LUMPUR, May 14 (Bernama) - A senator today said that the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jakim) should be given extra powers to monitor and act against statements issued by all state mufti to prevent confusion.

Senator Datuk Syed Ali Alhabshee said this was in light of statements on Islamic rulings made by several muftis which had caused confusion and differences of opinion among Muslims in the country.

He cited the one involving Perak Mufti Datuk Seri Harussani Zakaria who reportedly said that Muslims were prohibited from attending the "Jom Heboh" concert and carnival held in Ipoh recently.

Syed Ali said this during the debate on the motion of thanks for the royal address at the Dewan Negara here.

Concurring, Senator Mohd Puad Zarkashi said that a mufti should not issue statements on Islamic rulings at whim without referring to Jakim or the National Fatwa Council.

"And there was this mufti who once said that the `Maulidur Rasul' went against Islamic teachings, creating confusion among Muslims, especially in Johor, who would normally celebrate the life and struggle of the Prophet Muhammad in a big way," he said.

Senator Datuk Abdul Rashid Ngah was also supportive of Syed Ali's suggestion, pointing out that the fatwa council should view the matter seriously as some Muslims would regard statements issued by a mufti as religious decrees.