Perak Mufti Tan Sri Dr Harussani Zakaria described the landmark Court of Appeal ruling that transgenders will now no longer be punished for cross-dressing as going against Allah’s teachings.
Calling for the ruling to be overturned, Harussani said the appellate court had ‘legitimised’ a forbidden act which will inevitably lead to confusion among Muslims.
“It is the will and law of Islam. It is not in our culture to legitimise something at one's whim and fancy. It is forbidden for a man to dress as a woman.”
"I am very sad, these laws were enacted to protect Muslims from violating the Shariah law. But now it is viewed as being legal.
"This ruling will allow people, particularly Muslims to sin freely and violate the Shariah law without fear. Let’s not invoke catastrophe," said Harussani, when met at his office Friday.
He also advised Muslims to have a deep understanding of Islamic teachings to avoid them from going astray.
"I hope that people will seek to understand the requirements of the religion and learn about Allah and the laws.
"Yes, we are encouraged to be more liberal-minded but only in terms of development, not to the extent of challenging Allah and the law."
A three-man panel led by Justice Mohd Hishamudin Mohd Yunus and Justices Aziah Ali and Lim Yee Lan, ruled that Section 66 of the Syariah Criminal (Negeri Sembilan) Enactment 1992 violated Articles 5, 8, 9 and 10 of the Federal Constitution, the media reported.
Report also stated that the case could be set as a precedent for other states in the country. Previously, it was an offence for Muslim males to dress and behave as women.
Articles 5(1), 8(1), 8(2), 9(2) and 10(1) of the Federal Constitution, meanwhile, ensured fundamental liberties.
The ruling comes on the heels of an appeal sought by three Muslim transgenders to have Section 66 of the Syariah Criminal (Negeri Sembilan) Enactment Act 1992 declared unconstitutional.
They claimed that the provision violated their constitutional right of freedom of expression, movement and their right to live in dignity.
Astro Awani
Fri Nov 07 2014
Transgender activist Nisha Ayub (right) with a friend at the Court of Appeal, Putrajaya. - AFP Photo
MYStartup lancar program pemecut ketiga perkasa syarikat pemula niaga
MYStartup terus memperkasa syarikat pemula niaga di Malaysia dengan memulakan program pemecut ketiganya MYStartup Accelerator Kohort 3.
Perdagangan Malaysia meningkat 7.1% tahun ke tahun kepada RM690.59 bilion - MITI
Perdagangan Malaysia bagi Januari hingga Mac 2024 mengekalkan trend peningkatan, merekodkan pertumbuhan 7.1 peratus tahun ke tahun kepada RM690.59 bilion, dengan lebihan dagangan RM34.22 bilion.
Keselamatan makanan, perubahan iklim agenda utama Malaysia selaku Pengerusi ASEAN
Memperkukuh keselamatan makanan serantau dan menangani cabaran mendesak perubahan iklim adalah antara agenda utama yang akan diketengahkan Malaysia apabila memegang tampuk Pengerusi ASEAN.
Freedom Flotilla to Gaza: 'Konflik Israel-Iran bukan urusan kami' - FFC
Misi Break the Siege of Gaza Freedom Flotilla tetap akan diteruskan sekiranya konflik di antara Israel dan Iran terus meningkat.
KKR harap projek naik taraf 3 jalan di Johor dilaksana tahun depan - Ahmad Maslan
Kementerian Kerja Raya (KKR) berharap kerja naik taraf tiga jalan di Johor dapat dilaksanakan tahun hadapan susulan pertambahan kenderaan menggunakan jalan tersebut.
KDNK Malaysia suku pertama dianggar berkembang 3.9% dipacu sektor perkhidmatan - DOSM
Sektor pembinaan menunjukkan pertumbuhan yang signifikan sebanyak 9.8 peratus berbanding 3.6 peratus pada suku tahun sebelumnya, terutama dipacu oleh subsektor kejuruteraan awam.
MARGMA yakin permintaan sarung tangan getah global meningkat pada 2024
Persatuan Pengeluar Sarung Tangan Getah Malaysia (MARGMA) yakin permintaan global terhadap sarung tangan getah akan meningkat pada 2024.
Letusan Gunung Ruang: Kualiti udara di Sarawak tidak terjejas
Letusan Gunung Ruang di Indonesia tidak menjejaskan kualiti udara di Sarawak.
[LAPOR LANGSUNG] Freedom Flotilla to Gaza: Sah! Tiga kapal tetap berlayar, redah laut Mediterranean 24 April ini
FFC mengesahkan tiga kapal yang terlibat dalam misi Break the Siege of Gaza Freedom Flotilla akan memulakan pelayaran pada 24 April depan.
Freedom Flotilla to Gaza: Sah! Tiga kapal tetap berlayar, redah laut Mediterranean 24 April ini
FFC mengesahkan tiga kapal yang terlibat dalam misi Break the Siege of Gaza Freedom Flotilla akan memulakan pelayaran pada 24 April 2024 bersamaan hari Rabu.