Fazzrudin: Wakaf provision in Land Code Amendment purely administrative, applies to all faiths

Borneo Post

20-05-2025

Fazzrudin speaking during today's State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting. – Ukas photo
KUCHING (May 20): Tupong assemblyman Dato Fazzrudin Abdul Rahman has defended the Land Code (Amendment) Bill, 2025 against claims that it introduces religious doctrine into Sarawak's secular laws, stressing that the wakaf-related provisions are purely administrative and apply across all faiths.
Speaking during the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting today, Fazzrudin, who is also the Chief Political Secretary to the Premier of Sarawak, responded to concerns raised by Padungan assemblyman Chong Chieng Jen, who had earlier questioned the inclusion of Islamic endowment (wakaf) provisions in the Bill.
Fazzrudin clarified that the amendment does not aim to introduce religious ideology into the Land Code, but to address practical issues in the administration and registration of land designated for religious and charitable purposes.
'If YB for Padungan had read the Bill carefully, it is clear that the amendment strictly pertains to land matters under the State List in the Federal Constitution.
'The wakaf clause is to facilitate land administration by the Land and Survey Department, and it applies not only to Islamic wakaf, but also to other religions with similar endowment practices,' he said.
He also explained that land designated as wakaf is traditionally used for public benefit, such as houses of worship, educational institutions, welfare centres, and other community-building initiatives.
However, the lack of a proper legal framework had led to administrative delays and confusion.
'We fully support and welcome the noble intentions of donors, both individuals and organisations, who wish to dedicate land for the public good.
'But until now, administrative hurdles have made it difficult for these intentions to materialise,' he said.
Fazzrudin said the amendment would help streamline the registration of wakaf and endowment land, reduce legal disputes, and give authorities better clarity to plan developments surrounding such land without compromising its original purpose.
'The amendment gives legal clarity to land dedicated for building mosques, churches, temples, schools, or health clinics, ensuring that the donor's original intent is honoured and protected,' he said.
He added that the amendment reflects the Sarawak government's ongoing commitment to inclusive social development, in line with the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030), particularly its strategic pillar on social inclusivity.
'Many of us in this august House have witnessed how wakaf land can become vibrant centres for community empowerment. But we must also ensure its sustainability, so future generations can continue to benefit.
'This reform ensures that land contributed in the spirit of public service is not left in legal or operational limbo, but instead given proper space and dignity within our physical development plans,' he said.
Concluding his speech, Fazzrudin said the amendment reflects Sarawak's values of mutual respect, legacy, and social responsibility.
'Land is not merely a commodity as it is a legacy. With this amendment, we can ensure that wakaf and endowment lands become lasting beacons of community upliftment. Their essence lies in paying it forward,' he said. DUN sitting fazzrudin abdul rahman Land Code (Amendment) Bill lead wakaf