Politics · Malaysia Bureau
Court dismisses GISBH challenge to Kedah fatwa on deviant teachings
The Alor Setar High Court has rejected an application by GISB Holdings Sdn Bhd to overturn a fatwa issued by Kedah's Islamic authorities declaring its teachings deviant. The ruling upholds the religious determination made by the state's Islamic council.
LSN Malaysia ·
PUTRAJAYA — A High Court in Alor Setar has dismissed GISB Holdings Sdn Bhd's bid to challenge a fatwa issued by Kedah Islamic authorities that declared the organization's teachings deviant, marking a significant legal setback for the company.
The court's decision to reject the application means the fatwa, which was issued by the Kedah Islamic Religious Department and endorsed by the state's fatwa committee, remains in force. Fatwas are non-binding religious rulings issued by Islamic scholars and councils, though they carry considerable weight in Muslim-majority Malaysia.
GISBH had sought judicial review to overturn the religious determination, arguing against the characterization of its teachings. However, the High Court found insufficient grounds to interfere with the Islamic authority's decision-making process.
The case reflects ongoing tensions in Malaysia surrounding Islamic teachings and their regulation by state religious authorities. Each Malaysian state maintains its own Islamic religious department and fatwa committee responsible for issuing religious rulings and guidance to the Muslim population within their jurisdiction.