By Ashley Sim
KUCHING, May 20: The Land Code (Amendment) Bill 2025 does not serve religious interests but instead introduces neutral legal provisions applicable to all faiths, including wakaf-like concepts in other religions, said Tupong assemblyman Dato Fazzrudin Abdul Rahman (GPS-PBB).
Fazzrudin, who is also Chief Political Secretary to the Premier, rebutted Padungan assemblyman Chong Chieng Jen’s (PH-DAP) claims that the amendment carries an Islamic notion, clarifying that the amendment is strictly related to land as a subject matter under the State List of the Federal Constitution and facilitates administrative processes under the Land and Survey Department.
“YB for Padungan raised, among others, the issue of wakaf or endowment. If he would have read carefully, it is clear that matters related to the Land Code as suggested in this amendment strictly pertain to land.
“Land as we all know is under the State List in the Federal Constitution. The amendment including on wakaf is to facilitate the practice in the Land Survey Department, which needs to be addressed.
“Bearing in mind that this does not apply to wakaf only but also to other religions which have similar concepts,” he explained during the debate on the Land Code (Amendment) Bill 2025 at the first meeting of the fourth session of the 19th Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUS) at the DUS Complex here today.
“Hence, to suggest that the amendment is to bring Islamic notion as mentioned by the YB is totally misconceived as the law applies to all irrespective of religious belief.”
Fazzrudin stressed that wakaf land, by definition, is intended for the benefit of all. Examples include places of worship, educational institutions, welfare centres, and other services aimed at community development.
“The problem that often arises is the lack of a specific legal framework for wakaf and endowment land registration, which leads to confusion and delays,” he said.
While many generous individuals and organisations are keen to contribute wakaf land, he noted that administrative challenges often prevent such good intentions from materialising.
“With this amendment, we hope these obstacles can be addressed, allowing for a more structured and effective wakaf land registration process,” he added.
He stressed that the Sarawak government remains deeply committed to community development in the spiritual, educational, and welfare aspects, noting that this commitment aligns with the core pillars of the Post-Covid Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030), particularly the goal of promoting social inclusivity.
“Through this amendment, we can reduce disputes, protect the original purpose of the land, and allow public authorities to plan development around these areas more effectively,” he said.
“Whether land is designated for the construction of a mosque, surau, church, temple, school, or health clinic, the donor’s contribution will now have stronger legal backing.”
Fazzrudin further stressed that the amendment will ensure all wakaf and endowment lands are protected and respected in Sarawak’s development plans, benefiting all communities regardless of faith. — DayakDaily
