Refer Fatwa to Rulers

Wednesday December 10, 2008 The Star

IPOH: The Regent of Perak Raja Dr Nazrin Shah has again reminded the National Fatwa Council that its primary role is to decide and issue a fatwa or edicts after referring them to the Con­ference of Rulers.

He also reminded the Mentri Besar, state Religion, Islamic Education, Women and Wel­fare Committee chairman, directors and staff of the state Religious Department to refer any matter to the state Islamic Religious and Malay Customs Council before making statements.

Speaking after chairing the Malay Customs Council meeting, Raja Nazrin said the National Fatwa Council should have referred the matter of Muslims taking up yoga to the Conference of Rulers.

He said if the matter was not corrected now, it would lead to confusion later.

Raja Nazrin also reminded the Department of Islamic Development (Jakim) that it did not have the legal power to give instructions to states on Islamic religious management.

He noted that to ensure a harmonious relationship, the National Fatwa Council and Jakim should understand and respect the status, right, advantage, sovereignty and power of the Ruler as enshrined in the Federal Constitution and state constitution.