Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) is pleased to announce the appointment of Prof. Dr. Amir Shaharuddin and Prof. Dr. Abdul Rahim Abdul Rahman as new members of the Shariah Advisory Council (SAC). These appointments are in accordance with section 53(1) of the Central Bank of Malaysia Act 2009.

With the new appointment, the SAC will comprise nine members with expertise and experience in Shariah, Islamic finance, accounting and law. The SAC members are:

1. Dato’ Prof. Dr. Ashraf Md Hashim (Chairman)
   Professor, INCEIF University
    
2. Prof. Dr. Engku Rabiah Adawiah Engku Ali (Deputy Chair)
   Honorary Professor, Institute of Islamic Banking and Finance, International Islamic University Malaysia
    
3. Datuk Prof. Dr. Mohamad Akram Laldin (Member)
   Professor, INCEIF University
    
4. Encik Burhanuddin Lukman (Member)
   Member of Hajj Advisory Committee, Lembaga Tabung Haji
    
5. Sahibus Samahah Dato' Setia Prof. Madya Dr. Haji Anhar Haji Opir (Member)
   Mufti of Selangor
    
6. Dr. Marjan Muhammad (Member)
   Deputy President Research, INCEIF University
    
7. Dr. Ahmad Basri Ibrahim (Member)
   Head, Shariah Management, Permodalan Nasional Berhad
    
8. Prof. Dr. Amir Shaharuddin (New member)
   Director, Centre of Excellence Islamic Social Finance, INCEIF University
   Appointed effective 1 May 2025 until 30 April 2027
    
9. Prof. Dr. Abdul Rahim Abdul Rahman (New member)
   Member of Majlis Agama Islam Wilayah Persekutuan (MAIWP)
   Appointed effective 1 May 2025 until 30 April 2027

The SAC is the highest authority for ascertaining Islamic law for purposes and issues related to Islamic financial businesses, activities, or transactions in Malaysia. The SAC's rulings serve as a reference for Islamic financial institutions in ensuring their business operations comply with Shariah principles. The rulings also serve as a reference for the courts and arbitrators. The SAC is thus central to promoting certainty of Shariah practice and sustaining public confidence in the Islamic finance industry.