CEP meets with mufti, religious leaders

KUALA LUMPUR: The Council of Eminent Persons (CEP) today met with several mufti, as well as Islamic religious leaders and organisations to get their views on issues involving the religion in the country.
Among those present was Perlis Mufti Prof Datuk Dr Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin, who said he shared some views with the CEP on a more comprehensive and fair approach to Islam comprising all parties, including non-Muslims.
This he said, was in line with the aspiration of a 'New Malaysia' which emphasises fairness.
"They also asked for views on various issues including fatwas and child custody issues. The role of the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia was also discussed," he told reporters after the meeting at Menara Ilham here.
Meanwhile, Penang Mufti Dr Wan Salim Wan Mohd Noor, who was also present at the meeting, said he shared his views on 'madhhab', or the schools of thought in Islam.
He opined that the country should be opened to madhhabs other than Syafi'i – which was practised by the majority of Muslims in the country – to resolve national issues.
"If in terms of worship, for praying, or fasting, we can use the Syafi'i school of thought, but if we look at banking, financial and social issues, we must dare to explore the other sects," he said.
Also present at the meeting were Johor Mufti Datuk M. Tharir Kiyai Samsudin and writer Mohd Faizal Musa, who is also known by his pen name Faisal Tehrani. — Bernama