The Malaysian government has said it will provide an explanation on the use of lafaz baiah within certain political parties after seeking formal guidance from the country’s Mufti Department, a minister told reporters on Friday.
Dr Zulkifli Hasan, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department responsible for religious affairs, said his office has requested an official opinion from the Department of Muftis to ensure any public statement is based on authoritative religious interpretation.
“We want to give a clear view based on reliable sources to the public,” Dr Zulkifli said after attending a handover ceremony for YaPEIM’s Rumah Sinar Lestari project in Kampung Aman, Kandis. He stressed the importance of consulting religious scholars before making an official determination on practices that intersect religion and politics.
Understanding lafaz baiah and the debate
Lafaz baiah refers to an oath or pledge often used in religious contexts. The term has entered the political lexicon after allegations emerged that a specific party’s oath included clauses that could compel leaders to demand divorce from a spouse should a member defect. The claim was raised publicly by the Mufti of Perlis, Datuk Dr Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin.
Political leaders from the party in question have rejected the mufti’s interpretation. Mohd Syahir Che Sulaiman, political secretary to the party president and Member of Parliament for Bachok, posted the text of the alleged pledge on his Facebook account, arguing it contains no instruction to force any MP or state assembly member to divorce their spouse. He also challenged the mufti to highlight the specific wording he considered objectionable.
The dispute has drawn attention because it raises questions about how religious language is used in political mobilisation, and whether such language can have binding civil or social consequences for elected representatives. For now, the government has taken a measured approach, seeking formal input before offering a public verdict.
Analysts say the decision to consult the Mufti Department is aimed at preventing further polarisation and ensuring that any government response rests on recognised religious jurisprudence. “When religious and political matters intersect, it is prudent for authorities to seek expert rulings to avoid misinterpretation and reduce community tension,” said a political analyst who requested anonymity.
The episode also highlights broader tensions within Malaysia over the role of religion in politics. Parties that invoke religious practice in their internal codes often face scrutiny from both religious authorities and the public, particularly when allegations arise that such codes compel actions with legal or social consequences.
Dr Zulkifli did not give a timeline for when the government would release the Mufti Department’s opinion or a formal clarification, but he indicated the ministry intends to provide a definitive position once the consultation is complete. In the meantime, party officials and religious scholars are likely to continue debating the issue in public forums.
The government’s approach signals an attempt to balance respect for religious authority with the need for clear, impartial guidance on practices that touch on both faith and public office. Observers say a transparent explanation could defuse misunderstandings and set a precedent for handling similar disputes in future.
Key Takeaways:
- Government will seek the Mufti’s view before issuing an official stance on lafaz baiah.
- Minister Dr Zulkifli Hasan emphasised the need for clear, authoritative guidance on the practice.
- PAS denies claims that its oath requires MPs to divorce spouses if they defect.
- Text of the alleged oath has been published by the party to counter the mufti’s allegation.
