KUALA LUMPUR, Jan. 25 -- The government is finalising plans to set up a Federal Syariah Prosecution Department (JPSM) to strengthen the coordination, efficiency, and professionalism of Islamic prosecutions nationwide.

The proposal is currently being prepared as a Cabinet memorandum and, once approved, will be brought to the National Council for Islamic Religious Affairs and eventually to the Conference of Rulers for final endorsement, Sinar Harian reported.

"The establishment of JPSM aims to ensure uniformity in Syariah prosecution operations without undermining the autonomy and powers of the states as provided under the Federal Constitution. A meeting will also be held soon with the Ministry of Finance, Public Service Department, and P...