SHAH ALAM, July 7 — The Selangor State Legislative Assembly has passed the Administration of the Religion of Islam (State of Selangor) (Amendment) Enactment Bill 2025 during its sitting today.
The bill aims to clarify the criteria for appointing members of the Selangor Islamic Religious Council (Mais) other than ex-officio members, members of the Fatwa Committee, the Credentials Committee, and the Credentials Appeal Committee, who must adhere to the Ahli Sunnah Wal Jamaah creed.
The bill, which involves amendments to 10 clauses, was unanimously passed after the third reading, following a debate by six assemblymen at today’s sitting.
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State executive councillor for Islamic affairs and innovation Dr Mohammad Fahmi Ngah speaks during the Selangor State Legislative Assembly session at the State Secretariat Building in Shah Alam on July 7, 2025. — Picture by HARUN TAJUDIN/MEDIA SELANGOR [/caption]
When tabling the bill, state executive councillor for Islamic Affairs and Innovation Dr Mohammad Fahmi Ngah said the amendment proposes to include the interpretation of Ahli Sunnah Wal Jamaah in Enactment No. 1/2003.
During the drafting of the 2025 Bill, Mais conducted engagement sessions with stakeholders, including legal experts and representatives from relevant departments and organisations.
“Among the parties involved were the Selangor State Legal Advisor’s Chamber, the Selangor Mufti Department, the Selangor Syariah Judicial Department, the Selangor Prosecution Department, the Selangor Islamic Religious Department, the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jakim), the Attorney General’s Chambers, academics, and other relevant stakeholders,” he said.
Fahmi added that the amendment could also prevent the appointment of individuals with extreme or liberal views, or those inclined towards teachings that deviate from the Ahli Sunnah Wal Jamaah creed, in the administration of Islamic affairs in Selangor.
“It is also to ensure that the Islamic administration of Selangor aligns with the teachings of Ahli Sunnah Wal Jamaah and the principles of Maqasid Syariah, particularly in preserving the religion,” he said.
The bill is also in line with the Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah Alhaj's decree on March 14, in which His Royal Highness instructed Mais chairman Datuk Salehuddin Saidin to immediately implement the amendment to include provisions on the position and interpretation of Ahli Sunnah Wal Jamaah for the Muslim community, particularly in Selangor.
— Bernama
