He said the differing interpretations of laws at the federal and state levels had led to confusion and affected both governance and individual rights.

“We need a policy that unifies the various legal interpretations – not only in line with international values, but also with the principles of our own religion,” he said.

“Under the Madani government, both human rights and Maqasid Syariah principles must serve as joint guiding frameworks in developing national policies that are spiritually, socially, and economically balanced,” he said during his closing speech at a discourse on human rights from the Maqasid Syariah perspective.

Maqasid Syariah provides a framework for interpreting Islamic law in a holistic and flexible manner, especially when addressing contemporary issues such as human rights, women’s rights, refugee protection, sustainable development and social justice.

The discourse, which was organised by the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam), covered issues such as child marriage, refugee rights, abandoned babies and children, and alternative sentencing under syariah law – all with an emphasis on the principles of Maqasid Syariah as the foundation for policymaking.

Fadillah emphasised that the principles of human rights could be harmonised with Islamic teachings through the Maqasid Syariah approach, which focuses on five core objectives – the preservation of religion, life, intellect, lineage, and property.