Latest news with #SISForum
Malaysiakini
a day ago
- Politics
- Malaysiakini
Federal Court ruling on SIS Forum fatwa appeal set for June 19
The Federal Court will deliver its ruling on June 19 in the appeal filed by SIS Forum (Malaysia) against a fatwa issued by the Selangor religious authorities, which declared the organisation deviant and contrary to Islamic teachings. The matter was confirmed by Zainul Rijal Abu Bakar, counsel for the Selangor Fatwa Committee, when contacted today. 'The court informed...
The Sun
a day ago
- Politics
- The Sun
Federal Court ruling on SIS forum fatwa appeal set for June 19
KUALA LUMPUR: The Federal Court will deliver its ruling on June 19 in the appeal filed by SIS Forum (Malaysia) against a fatwa issued by the Selangor religious authorities, which declared the organisation deviant and contrary to Islamic teachings. The matter was confirmed by Datuk Zainul Rijal Abu Bakar, counsel for the Selangor Fatwa Committee, when contacted today. 'The court informed the parties of the decision date via email on May 20,' he said. In addition to the Selangor Fatwa Committee, the Selangor Islamic Religious Council (MAIS) and the Selangor government are also named as respondents in the appeal. On Aug 21, 2023, the Federal Court granted leave to SIS Forum and its founder, Zainah Mahfoozah Anwar, to appeal against the Court of Appeal's earlier decision dismissing their bid to annul the fatwa. In a 2-1 majority decision, the Court of Appeal held that the fatwa issued by the Selangor Fatwa Committee did not constitute a final decision and, therefore, could not be challenged by way of judicial review. SIS Forum and Zainah had appealed to the Court of Appeal after the High Court dismissed their application for a judicial review on Aug 27, 2019. The fatwa, gazetted by the Selangor State Government on July 31, 2014, declared SIS Forum, as well as any individual or group subscribing to liberalism and pluralism, as deviant and contrary to Islamic teachings. The fatwa further directed that any publication espousing liberal or pluralist views be banned and seized, and urged the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission to censor social media content deemed contrary to Islamic teachings and syariah law.
The Sun
a day ago
- Politics
- The Sun
Federal Court to rule June 19 on SIS fatwa appeal
KUALA LUMPUR: The Federal Court will deliver its ruling on June 19 in the appeal filed by SIS Forum (Malaysia) against a fatwa issued by the Selangor religious authorities, which declared the organisation deviant and contrary to Islamic teachings. The matter was confirmed by Datuk Zainul Rijal Abu Bakar, counsel for the Selangor Fatwa Committee, when contacted today. 'The court informed the parties of the decision date via email on May 20,' he said. In addition to the Selangor Fatwa Committee, the Selangor Islamic Religious Council (MAIS) and the Selangor government are also named as respondents in the appeal. On Aug 21, 2023, the Federal Court granted leave to SIS Forum and its founder, Zainah Mahfoozah Anwar, to appeal against the Court of Appeal's earlier decision dismissing their bid to annul the fatwa. In a 2-1 majority decision, the Court of Appeal held that the fatwa issued by the Selangor Fatwa Committee did not constitute a final decision and, therefore, could not be challenged by way of judicial review. SIS Forum and Zainah had appealed to the Court of Appeal after the High Court dismissed their application for a judicial review on Aug 27, 2019. The fatwa, gazetted by the Selangor State Government on July 31, 2014, declared SIS Forum, as well as any individual or group subscribing to liberalism and pluralism, as deviant and contrary to Islamic teachings. The fatwa further directed that any publication espousing liberal or pluralist views be banned and seized, and urged the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission to censor social media content deemed contrary to Islamic teachings and syariah law.
Free Malaysia Today
a day ago
- Politics
- Free Malaysia Today
Judicial review on ‘deviant' fatwa not an attack on Islam, says SIS
The Federal Court is expected to deliver its judgment on the challenge by SIS Forum (Malaysia) and its co-founder against a fatwa that labels the women's rights group 'deviant' on June 19. PETALING JAYA : Sisters in Islam (SIS) says the challenge brought by SIS Forum (Malaysia) and its co-founder against a fatwa that labels the women's rights group 'deviant' under Islamic laws is not an attack on the religion. SIS said the judicial review is an exercise of the constitutional right of Malaysians to seek legal redress in matters that affect their fundamental liberties, particularly the right to be heard, and to ensure that due process under the law is observed. 'The fatwa in question, issued in 2014, declared SIS deviant without affording us the opportunity to defend ourselves. 'It also has wide-reaching implications on freedom of expression, association, and religion as guaranteed under the Federal Constitution,' it said in a statement. SIS said it is not alone in raising concerns about the lack of procedural fairness in how fatwas are issued and enforced. 'Scholars, lawyers, and rights-based organisations have long pointed out the need for transparency, consultation, and accountability within the fatwa process, especially when such pronouncements affect civil society groups and individuals directly,' it said. The women's rights group and its co-founder, Zainah Mahfoozah Anwar, are appealing a Court of Appeal decision handed down in 2023 which dismissed its challenge of a fatwa imposed by the Selangor religious authorities 11 years ago. The Federal Court's decision is expected to be delivered on June 19. In the 2014 fatwa, the Selangor Islamic religious council (Mais) decreed that SIS had deviated from the teachings of Islam by subscribing to liberalism and religious pluralism. On Wednesday, the Selangor Islamic religious department (Jais) called for special prayers to be held at all mosques and suraus in the state to seek divine blessings and guidance over the group's challenge of the fatwa. Jais director Shahzihan Ahmad called for the prayers to be held to seek God's continued protection of the sanctity of Islam in the state and for His guidance for the apex court in reaching a just decision. SIS said it remains steadfast in promoting an understanding of Islam that centres on equality, justice, and compassion, principles deeply rooted in the higher objectives (maqasid) of the shariah. It said that as believers of the faith, it values sincere prayer and reflection, especially in moments of public deliberation. 'However, we find it necessary to clarify and reaffirm the principles upon which our ongoing legal challenge is based. 'We urge all parties to engage in dialogue rather than division, and to allow the judiciary to perform its role free of undue pressure or politicisation. 'We trust in the independence and wisdom of the Federal Court to assess our case based on the rule of law, the constitution, and principles of justice,' it said.
The Star
a day ago
- Politics
- The Star
Federal Court ruling on SIS Forum fatwa appeal set for June 19
KUALA LUMPUR: The Federal Court will deliver its ruling on June 19 in the appeal filed by SIS Forum (Malaysia) against a fatwa issued by Selangor religious authorities, which declared the organisation deviant and contrary to Islamic teachings. The matter was confirmed by Datuk Zainul Rijal Abu Bakar, counsel for the Selangor Fatwa Committee, when contacted Friday (June 6). "The court informed the parties of the decision date via e-mail on May 20," he said. ALSO READ: Federal Court hears SIS Forum's appeal on fatwa labelling it deviant In addition to the Selangor Fatwa Committee, the Selangor Islamic Religious Council (MAIS) and the Selangor government are also named as respondents in the appeal. On Aug 21, 2023, the Federal Court granted leave to SIS Forum and its founder, Zainah Mahfoozah Anwar, to appeal against the Court of Appeal's earlier decision dismissing their bid to annul the fatwa. In a 2-1 majority decision, the Court of Appeal held that the fatwa did not constitute a final decision and, therefore, could not be challenged by way of judicial review. ALSO READ: SIS to appeal court decision in fatwa case SIS Forum and Zainah had appealed after the High Court dismissed their application for a judicial review on Aug 27, 2019. The fatwa, gazetted by the Selangor government on July 31, 2014, declared SIS Forum, as well as any individual or group subscribing to liberalism and pluralism, as deviant and contrary to Islamic teachings. The fatwa further directed that any publication espousing liberal or pluralist views be banned and seized, and urged the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission to censor social media content deemed contrary to Islamic teachings and syariah law. – Bernama
