Kepimpinan Non Muslim di Malaysia Menurut Perspektif Maqāṣid Al-Sharī'ah

Non-Muslim Leadership in Malaysia from Maqāṣid al-Sharī‘ah Perspectives

Abstract

Islam has provided a guiding principle regarding the involvement of non-Muslims in aspects of governance and administration. In Malaysia, this right has been recognized since independence which saw the involvement of non-Muslims in the executive administration such as ministers and key administrators at the federal and state levels. The relationship between Muslims and non-Muslims is one of the main themes that are often discussed in the Quran. However, the interpretation some of the verses seem to be done out of context has created confusion and misunderstanding in the society. The voting and appointment of non -Muslim candidates in several important government positions such as the Chief Justice, Attorney General of Malaysia and Federal Minister has sparked controversy in Malaysia. Thus, this study aims to analyze the concept of non-Muslim leadership in Malaysia according to the perspective of maqāṣid al-sharī’ah. The study was conducted qualitatively using the library method by analyzing the texts of the Qur’an and Hadith as well as the debates of Muslim scholars on the concept of nonMuslim leadership in an Islamic country. In addition, content analysis method was also conducted towards the provisions of the Federal Constitution and the report of the Department of Statistics Malaysia to examine the current application of non-Muslim leadership in Malaysia. Although the Federal Constitution has provided basic guidelines on the administration of the country, but some important criteria outlined by Islam need to be emphasized to preserve the sensitivity and harmony of the plural society in Malaysia, especially the Muslim community as the majority in this country.