By Marlynda Meraw
KUCHING, May 20: Sarawak should keep religious ideologies away from law and governance, says Padugan representative, Chong Chieng Jen (PH-DAP).
He voiced this during the debate following the reading of the Land Code (Amendment) Bill 2025 by Deputy Premier, Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, during the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUS) sitting today.
During the Land Code (Amendment) Bill 2025 reading, Awang Tengah had brought forward the introduction of Section 171A, which provides a formal mechanism for the registration of ‘wakaf’ (religious endowment) lands in the Land Registry.
Awang Tengah explained that the amendment is made to empower individuals and Majlis Islam Sarawak to apply for such registrations and extends similar provisions to other religions that have equivalent concepts.
In response to this, Chong, who is also a Stampin MP, said that by introducing ‘wakaf’ into the current Land Code, the State government will be setting a precedent of Islamic doctrine and religious ideology to be incorporated into a law that applies to all, which, to Chong, will have a serious implication in the future.
“To me, this (introduction of ‘wakaf’) goes against the very fundamental constitutional framework of Sarawak, that Sarawak is a secular State,” he said.
He cited that though the federal constitution had stated Islam as the religion of the Federation, the State constitution, however, does not provide any religion to be the religion of the State; thus as such, Sarawak does not have an official religion.
“So far, the State government has kept religion away from the general administration of the government, and that is good. It helps to preserve the racial harmony that we (Sarawakians) enjoy thus far,” said Chong.
However, to Kabong assemblyman, Dato Mohd Chee Kadir (GPS-PBB), Chong’s remarks reflected bias, adding that the latter should have read the amendment thoroughly, in which he clarified that ‘wakaf’ was meant for the Majlis Islam Sarawak, whereas applications for non-Muslims are regulated by their respective religions.
Meanwhile, Kota Sentosa assemblyman, Wilfred Yap (GPS-SUPP), voiced his support for the introduction of Section 171A, stating that the amendment ensures that the State’s land legislation remains just, relevant, and functional.
“This (introduction of ‘wakaf’ into the Land Code) will reduce conflicts and ensure that these lands are used for their intended purposes,” Yap said during his debate. –DayakDaily
