KUALA LUMPUR: The government has agreed to set up a special committee sanctioned by the Conference of Rulers in a bid to empower and elevate the status of the Syariah Court, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

He said the committee would conduct research, including discussions with muftis and all relevant parties, to gather views in order to formulate regulations that can be implemented to enhance the jurisdiction of the Syariah Court.

He said the Conference of Rulers is also keen and has given consent for the committee to study ways to enhance the powers of the Syariah Court over Muslims while ensuring that it does not affect non-Muslims at the same time.

"So far, the names of members of this special committee have been consented to by the Conference of Rulers, and they will need to engage with the State Islamic Religious Councils and state governments before any matter is finalised.

"There are methods that need to be discussed because some states are quite strict and may not agree if we violate the principles mentioned, but whatever proposals this committee may have, the Conference of Rulers must be notified," he said during Minister's Question Time at the Dewan Rakyat sitting today.

Anwar was replying to Mohd Azizi Abu Naim (PN-Gua Musang) who wanted to know the federal government's stance on the Notice of Petition filed by two women to challenge the Kelantan Syariah Criminal Code (I) Enactment 2019, and the government's efforts to safeguard the Syariah-related laws.