An expert in syariah (Islamic law) says the Malaysian Government’s decision to make it compulsory for Public Servants to be vaccinated against COVID-19 is not contrary to religious beliefs and shouldn’t be considered as restricting individual freedom.
Principal Assistant Mufti (Research) at the Federal Territory Mufti Office, Syed Shahridzan Syed Mohamed said that based on siyasah syar’iyyah (authority to act according to the benefit), the Government could take disciplinary action against a group of people disobeying an order related to the public interest.
“Islam, through siyasah syar’iyyah, gives the Government full right to issue certain orders to help manage an emergency like COVID-19,” Dr Syed Shahridzan (pictured) said.
“Under siyasah syar’iyyah, disciplinary action by the Government can be categorised as mild punishment.”
He said that vaccinations were for the public good and that co-operation was necessary for success.
Dr Syed Shahridzan pointed out that the majority of Muslims in Malaysia belong to the Sunnah Wal Jamaah school of thought that makes it obligatory to follow a ruler’s orders in matters related to the public interest.
The Public Service Department has made it mandatory for Federal Public Servants to get a COVID-19 vaccine which must be completed by 1 November.
Meanwhile, the Malaysian Medical Association has called on unvaccinated Public Servants to get their COVID-19 jabs for “the common good”.
President of the MMA, Koh Kar Chai said there was enough evidence that vaccines worked against the virus and it could be seen with severe cases registering a downtrend.
“It is unfortunate that the Public Service Department has had to resort to making vaccinations mandatory for all Civil Servants, though it is understandable as the number of unvaccinated officials is alarmingly high,” Dr Koh said.
“There is sufficient evidence that the vaccines do work, are safe and side-effects are mostly mild,” he said.
Kuala Lumpur, 8 October 2021
