The Independence Of The Shariah Committee Of Islamic Financial Institutions In Malaysia: Legal Analysis

Abstract

Shariah Committee is an advisory body established by the Islamic financial institutions which has a significant role in ensuring that the Islamic financial business carried out by the institutions comply with the Shariah principles. The independence of the Shariah Committee in discharging their duties and responsibilities is the essential element in ensuring the credibility of the institutions. In Malaysia, the government extremely emphasizes on the independent of the Shariah Committee established by the Islamic financial institutions as stipulated in the existing legislations governing such institutions. However, the question arises, to what extent the existing legislations have a provision dealing with the independence of Shariah Committee? By using legal research methodology, this article scrutinizes the existing legislations in order to answer whether it is sufficient to guarantee the independence of Shariah Committee in carrying out their duties and responsibilities. This article found that, Malaysia has a good legal mechanism in ensuring the independence of Shariah Committee. It is found that the appointment method to Shariah Committee, the decision on the remuneration of Shariah Committee, the position of the Shariah Committee in the organisation structure of Islamic financial institutions, the independence of Shariah Committee in issuing Shariah deliberation and the appointment of Shariah Committee to sit in the Board of Directors of Islamic financial institutions may invite a question on the independence of Shariah Committee in discharging their duties and responsibilities. Hence, the existing legislations need to be improved to guarantee the independence of Shariah Committee.

Keywords: Shariah CommitteeIslamic bankingIslamic LawIslamic FinanceIndependenceGovernance

Introduction

Shariah Committee (hereinafter referred to as “SC”) plays a vital role by advising and supervising the operation of Islamic financial institutions in ensuring that the Islamic financial business carried out by Islamic financial institutions comply with the Shariah principles (Hidayat & Khalifa, 2018). SC is also considered as a key element (Hakimi, Rachdi, Mokni & Hssini, 2018) and the most crucial component in the governance framework of Islamic financial institutions (Grassa, 2013). The independence of the SC in discharging their duties and responsibilities is the essential element in ensuring the credibility of the institutions (Hassan, Othman, Salleh & Hussain, 2016). In addition, it is significant in enhancing the public confidence towards Shariah compliance of the institutions (Grassa, 2013). In order to sustain the Shariah compliance of the IFIs, every Islamic company shall have an independent SC (Muneeza & Hassan, 2014). Conversely, doubts over the independence of SC may invite worries from the public on the permissible and prohibited business activities in the operation of the Islamic financial institutions. It also would indirectly affect the confidence of the stakeholders.

In general, independence means ‘not subject to the control or influence of another’ (Bryan, 2004). Another definition is ‘the freedom and ability to make your own decisions in life, without having to ask other people for permission, help, or money’ (Fox, 2006). According to the standard issued by Accounting and Auditing Organisation for Islamic Financial Institutions (hereinafter referred to as “AAOIFI”), it defines independence as an attitude of mind which does not allow the viewpoints and conclusions of its possessor to become reliant on or subordinate to the influences and pressures of conflicting interest. The independence is achieved through organizational status and objectivity (AAOIFI, Governance Standard for IFIs No. 5: Independence of Sharia Supervisory Board, paragraph 2). This AAOIFI’s standard emphasizes intellectual freedom of the SC in providing an opinion or making a decision without relying or influencing by any other party or any pressure that could lead to a conflict of interest.

SC has a function to monitor all the bank’s activities and products and make sure that the activities and products are Shariah -compliant (Kaakeh, Hassan, & Almazor, 2018). According to Laldin (2008), SC is referred to a people with the responsibility to ensure the compliance aspects of products and instruments used in the Islamic finance industry. According to Hassan, Triyanta, and Yusoff (2011), SC is an independent body of specialist jurists in Islamic transaction/commercial law with specific duty to direct, review, supervise and/or approve the activities of IFIs to make sure that the institutions comply with Shariah law.

AAOIFI also has issued standard definition as guidance to the IFIs. Pursuant to definition given by AAOIFI, it can be seen that the element of an independent body of specialized jurists in Islamic commercial jurisprudence is very crucial. At the same time the standard allows the board to appoint other member who are expert in the field of Islamic financial institutions and with knowledge of Islamic transaction. The standard also clearly states the duty of SC namely, the duty of directing, reviewing and supervising the activities of the IFI in ensuring Shariah compliance. Meanwhile the rulings and fatwa s issued by SC shall be binding on the IFI (AAOIFI, Governance Standard for Islamic Financial Institutions No. 1 on the Shari’a Supervisory Board: Appointment, Composition and Report, Article 2).

Problem Statement

Hassan, Rizwan and Sohail (2017) opine that SC is an independent authority that is not working on the umbrella of other authorities. It also has no any fear from the upper level management. According to Laldin (2008), the independence of the SC is divided into intellectual independence and organization independence. Intellectual freedom refers to the ability of the SC to make an objective decision free form any influence. This can be achieved via precise screening and analysis on the issue brought before them. Accordingly, the SC needs to engage themselves in the operation of the IFIs, particularly the creation of new products until the day of issuance. Hence, the SC is capable to audit the institution comprehensively, to access to important information and to understand the product in terms of its purpose, its effect on the society and achieve the objectives of Shariah . Other than that, the relationship and the cooperation between the SC and the management should be improved. The SC is not a burden or obstacle for the IFIs to improve. However, SC is an additional factor for the progress of the IFIs. Meanwhile organizational independence refers to the position of the SC in the organizational structure of the IFIs. Whether the position of the SC is subordinate to the Board of Directors (hereinafter referred to as “BoDs”) or the bank’s manager or is not specified. In order to ensure this type of independence, Laldin (2008) recommends that the SC shall be subject to General Meeting in determining the working scopes, the appointment and the termination of a member of the SC.

In preserving the independence of the SC, AAOIFI’s standard emphasizes five things as the pillars of the independence including the objectivity, continuous assessment, basis of SC independence, resolution of issues of independent impairment and the responsibility for implementation of this standard as guidance for IFIs. In achieving the objectivity which refers to the sustainability of independent mental attitude of this body in implementing Shariah supervision, the standard outlines a number of things that need to be practiced by the IFI as follows (AAOIFI, Governance Standard for Islamic Financial Institutions No. 5: Independence of Shariah Supervisory Board, paragraphs 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9): (a) The members of the SC are not to subordinate their judgment on Shariah supervision matters to the others; (b) The SC is required to perform Shariah supervision in such a manner that they have an honest belief in their work. They should avoid any potential and actual situations that impair their ability to make objective professional judgments; (c) The members of the SC should not be employees of the same IFIs; (d) The SC and its members should not be involved in any manner with regard to managerial decisions and operational responsibilities of the IFIs; and (e) When the members of SC are or were within the engagement or immediately preceding an engagement period, an officer of a client or partner/employee of an IFIs, the preceding period should be not less than three years.

The second point is regarding the need for the members of SC to constantly evaluate their relationship with the IFIs in order to identify any situations that affect or will affect their independence in performing Shariah supervision. If such situation is identified, such a member should resolve it or to report it to the SC to find out the way to resolve it (AAOIFI, Governance Standard for Islamic Financial Institutions No. 5: Independence of Shariah Supervisory Board, paragraph 10).

Next, the standard elucidates the basis of the independence of the SC which is derived from the Islamic Shariah rules and principles (AAOIFI, Governance Standard for Islamic Financial Institutions No. 5: Independence of Shariah Supervisory Board, paragraph 11). The next item is pertaining to the resolution of issues of independence impairment. In this regard, the standard describes the steps to be taken in resolving the issue as follows (AAOIFI, Governance Standard for Islamic Financial Institutions No. 5: Independence of Shariah Supervisory Board, paragraph 12): (a) Record the issue; (b) Review the issue internally within the SC; (c) If the issue still exists after the internal review by the SC, such member with the issue of independence impairment must resign and General Meeting of the IFIs must be notified; and (d) In all above levels of conflict resolution, consideration must be given to local laws and regulations. Finally, the standard clarifies that the management is responsible for the implementation of this standard in ensuring the independence of the SC (AAOIFI, Governance Standard for Islamic Financial Institutions No. 5: Independence of Shariah Supervisory Board, paragraph 13).

According to Hammad (2006), the duties should be performed objectively, with integrity, avoid bias in judgment, tolerance and avoid extremism in religion. Among the methods that can be used are; (a) Doing exhaustive research and thorough understanding of the subject or the problem by using all possible methods and not hurry to issue a ruling; (b) Tolerating in accepting ijtihad (juristic inference) or opinion of jurists of any madhhab (Islamic school of thought) whose opinion is suitable for a particular time and place but not suitable for another time or place; (c) Taking into consideration the combination of an-nusus al-juz’iyyah (partial texts) and al-maqaṣid al-kulliyah (general objectives); (d) Taking into account the changes in the fatawa (Islamic legal opinions) by the change of time and place; (e) Taking into consideration the principles of facility and hardship in Islamic law; and (f) Taking into account resolutions made at the seminar or symposium of fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence).

In Malaysia, the duties, responsibilities and accountability of the SC have been prescribed by the statutes governing the IFIs as well as the Guidelines issued by Central Bank of Malaysia (hereinafter referred to as “CBM”). In the early stage of the implementation of Islamic banking and financial business in Malaysia, the statutes have provided the duties of the SC in a general manner. The SC is assigned with the duties and responsibilities to advise the Islamic banks and the takaful operators on the operations of its Islamic financial business in order to ensure that the operation of the institutions free from any element which is not allowed in Shariah law (Islamic Banking Act 1983, section 3 (5) (b); Takaful Act 1984, section 8 (5)(b)). Similar to the previous provision in the repealed Acts i.e. IBA and TA, Islamic Financial Services Act 2013 (hereinafter referred to as “IFSA”) remains the general principal of legislation on the duties of SC that is to advise the IFIs in ensuring its business, affairs and activities comply with Shariah (IFSA, section 3 0(1)).

IFSA also grants permission to CBM to specify standards relating to the duties and functions of the SC (IFSA, section 29(2)(a)(i)). Accordingly, the SC and its members shall observe such duties and functions as set out by CBM (IFSA, section 29(5)). CBM has specified standards on such duties and functions of the SC in Shariah Governance Framework for Islamic Financial Institutions (BNM/RH/GL 012-3) (hereinafter referred to as “SGF”) (Central Bank of Malaysia, 2010). .

Hence, to what extents the existing legislations governing IFIS provides provisions which deal with the independence of SC established by IFIs in Malaysia. To what extent the existing legislations guaranteed the independence of SC?

Research Questions

This research is carried out to answer two questions: (a) to what extend the existing legislations governing the independence of the SC in Malaysia? (b) What are the issues arising from the existing legislations governing the independence of the SC in Malaysia?

Purpose of the Study

The objectives of this article are: (a) to analyse the provisions of legislations governing the independence of the SC in Malaysia. (b) To analyse the legal issues pertaining to the independence of SC in Malaysia.

Research Methods

This study adopts the legal research method in order to achieve the objectives of the study. The data used were largely library-based consisting of primary data which was collected from statutes passed by Parliament of Malaysia and the guidelines issued by CBM which regulate the Islamic financial system in Malaysia. In order to achieve the objective of this study, descriptive and exploratory data analysis method is used in explaining the independence aspects of the SC stipulated by the existing legislations in Malaysia. The analytical and critical analysis method is used in order to analyse the issues pertaining to the independence of SC in Malaysia.

Findings

In relation to the independence of SC in Malaysia, the existing legislations governing IFIs has provides several provisions in ensuring the independence of SC. According to SGF, the duties and responsibilities of SC are (SGF, Appendix 4): (i) Responsibility and accountability all Shariah decisions, opinions and views issued by them; (ii) To provide advice to the board and IFI on Shariah matters; (iii) To endorse the Shariah policies and Shariah procedures prepared by the IFI parallel with Shariah ; (iv) To endorse and validate relevant documentations such as the forms, contracts, agreements, the product manual, marketing advertisements, sales illustrations and other relevant documents; (v) To assess work of Shariah review and Shariah audit; (vi) To assist related parties such as legal counsel, auditor or consultant on Shariah matters; (vii) To advice on matters to be referred to the Shariah Advisory Council (hereinafter referred to as “SAC”); and (viii) To give written Shariah opinion.

Based on the above duties and responsibilities laid down by the SGF, it can be seen that the first matter emphasized by the SGF is the explanation relating to the responsibility and accountability of the SC. As the SC is the only qualified party to ascertain on Shariah matters of the IFIs, then they should be responsible and accountable for all Shariah decisions, views and opinions issued by them. This is significant since the decisions, views and opinions given by the SC are binding on the IFIs (SGF, paragraph 2.7 of Part 2).

SGF has laid down several principles to be observed by IFIs in ensuring the independence of the SC (Ali & Oseni, 2017). The most important party in ensuring the independence of the SC relies on the BoD. The SC is required to make a thorough decision on Shariah issues in an independent and objective manner (SGF, paragraph 3.1 of Part 2). Accordingly, the independence of the SC is a vital element and should be constantly preserved in discharging their obligations (SGF, Principle 3). The BoD is required to recognize the independence of the SC and shall ensure that the committee is free from any undue influence that would impede this body from exercising objective judgment in deliberating Shariah issues brought before them (SGF, Principle 3). Other than that, the BoD shall ensure that decisions made by the SC are duly observed and implemented by the IFIs. The decisions should not be set aside or modified without prior consent from the SC (SGF, paragraph 3.3 of Part 2). If the SC is not provided with the required information, the BoD shall be notified of the occurrence and suitable action shall be taken to rectify the situation and take a proper action and the necessary punitive measures against parties who purposely failed to extend the needed information (SGF, paragraph 3.5 of Part 2). Based on the existing legislations governing SC in Malaysia, it can be seen that Malaysia strongly emphasizes on the independence of SC in carrying out their duties and responsibilities. This parallel with their vital role in ensuring the Shariah compliance of the IFIs in conducting Islamic financial business.

However, there are several issues which reflect to the independence of SC of IFIs as follows:

The appointment and reappointment of the member of the SC of IFIs

In Malaysia, the procedures of an appointment of SC and the procedures for reappointment of the member of SC is pursuant to the legislations governing IFIs (Hussain, Hassan & Azhar, 2016a). SGF provides that the appointment and reappointment of SC shall be made by the BoD. Both appointments are also subject to the approval of CBM and the SAC of CBM (SGF, paragraph 3.8 of Part 2). The processes start with a selection process handled by the IFIs to make sure that the suggested individual is qualified and considered fit and proper to be selected and appointed as a member of SC (SGF, Appendix 2). At this stage, the Nomination Committee (hereinafter referred to as “NC”) of the IFIs plays a significant task in assessing the proposed individual in order to ensure that such candidate meets the requirements prescribed by SGF and qualified for appointment as SC (Guidelines on Corporate Governance for Licensed Islamic Banks, Appendix 2) (Central Bank of Malaysia, 2007). If the candidate is qualified, the NC will suggest the candidate to the BoD. The BoD, upon recommendation by NC, shall nominate the appointment of the proposed candidate to CBM (SGF, Appendix 2). Notably, based on the procedures, it can be seen that, the final decision at institution level as to who shall be nominated to CBM is the responsibility of the BoD (Guidelines on Corporate Governance for Licensed Islamic Banks, Appendix 2) (Central Bank of Malaysia, 2007).

Next, application must be submitted to CBM for approval from CBM and the SAC before a proposed candidate is appointed as a member of the SC. Prior written approval of CBM and the SAC is necessary before the appointment is made by IFI. In this regard, CBM may also impose necessary conditions it deems fit. Failure to observe any stipulations shall nullify the approval (SGF, Appendix 2). Finally, after obtaining written approval, the appointment of the member of the SC shall be made by the BoD (SGF, Appendix 2). The same goes to the reappointment of SC members. Since the appointment is made by the BoD, it is questionable to what extent such appointment by the BoD may not affect the SC in carrying out their duties?

It would be good if the appointment is made based on the selection process by shareholders which can be carried out during the General Meeting of the institution. This method permits the representatives to choose the entrusted persons to be appointed as SC. This can also evade any influence by the management board during the appointment since the management board does not have the authority to appoint or to dismiss them. Another basis is to guarantee the effectiveness and the freedom of the SC to perform their tasks.

In contrast, in the case of appointment is made ​​by the BoD, it will create a connection concerning the two parties which could lead to internal coerce from the BoD on the SC. Integrity should be continuously observed by the IFI. Therefore, the selection of SC made by the shareholders is an alternative to safeguard the independence of the SC in exercising their duties.

Another thing related to the appointment is the remuneration of SC. According to SGF, the BoD shall remunerate the SC members suitably as recommended by its Remuneration Committee. Such payment shall reflect, and be appropriate with, the accountability, duties and responsibilities of the SC. However, the SGF silence on which fund to be paid as remuneration to SC. Remuneration payable should not from profits because it may invite suspicions from the public that the resolution made by the SC is driven by financial rewards that will determine how much they will earn.

The position of the SC in the organisation structure of IFIs

Undoubtedly every IFI has its own organizational structure and may vary from other IFIs. The question arises, to whom the SC are accountable in discharging their duties and responsibilities? SGF provides that the SC shall functionally report to the BoD (SGF, paragraph 1.6 of Part 2). Accordingly, they are responsible to the BoD. At the same time, one of their duties is to advise the BoD and the IFIs on the Shariah matters as specified by SGF (SGF, Appendix 4). This situation leads to the question, where is the appropriate position of SC within the IFI’s organizational structure. If the position of SC is higher than BoD in the organization structure, it will illustrate that the SC is the ultimate power in driving the business direction of the IFIs. In fact, it is beyond the roles and functions of BoD. If placed under the BoD, it will illustrate that the SC is controlled by the BoD. Hence the issue on the independence of SC in discharging its duties is questionable. Where is the appropriate position of the SC in the organization structure? Or such advisory body should not be included in the organization structure?

The author of an opinion that, the best position is by putting SC parallel to the BoD in the organization structure that has the capacity to advise the BoD and IFIs in ensuring Shariah compliance. Hence, the independence issue should not be questionable in the organization structure. For consistency of legal requirement, it would be appropriate if SGF may prescribe the position of SC in the IFI’s organisations structure. It would be good as well if SGF may provide an illustration on the proper position of the SC within the IFI’s organizations structure.

The independence of SC in issuing Shariah deliberation

section 3 0(1) of IFSA states the general principal on the duties of SC that is to advise the IFI in ensuring its business, affairs and activities comply with Shariah . In addition, section 3 2 of the same Act, stipulates that, the SC and every member of the SC shall have such duties and functions set out in any standards as may be prescribed by the CBM under section 29(2) (a) (i) of Central Bank of Malaysia of Malaysia Act 2009 (hereinafter referred to as “CBMA”). CBMA also provides the solution where the ruling made ​​by SC constituted in Malaysia by IFIs is different from the ruling issued by the SAC, the ruling of the SAC shall prevail (CBMA, section 58). Nevertheless, the SC is permitted to adopt a more rigid Shariah decision (SGF, paragraph 6.4 of Part 2).

From one perspective, the above provision is good and parallel with the function of the SAC as the highest authoritative body in the ascertainment of Islamic law pertaining to Islamic financial business. It also good to ensure the uniformity of Shariah rulings by relying on a ruling issued by the SAC. However, the author of opinion that such legal sanction may reflects that the independence of SC in this regard is still confined and they are not fully independent.

The appointment of member of the SC as a member of the BoDs of IFIs

The BoDs is ultimately accountable and responsible for the implementation of Shariah governance framework and Shariah compliance of the IFI (SGF, paragraph 2.1 of Part 2). Ideally, it is appropriate that the BoDs should have reasonable understanding of the principles of the Shariah and its wide ranging application in Islamic finance in order to ensure the effectiveness of the BoDs in carrying out their responsibilities towards Shariah compliance of the IFIs (SGF, paragraph 4.1 of Part 2).

Alternatively, SGF suggests that the BoDs may consider appointing at least one member of the SC as a member of the BoDs that could function as a ‘bridge’ between the BoDs and the SC. In addition, the existence of a director with Shariah knowledge would promote better understanding and appreciation amongst the BoD’s members on the decisions made by the SC (SGF, paragraph 2.4 of Part 2).

In addition, Guidelines on Corporate Governance for Licensed Islamic (BNM/RH/GL 002-1) (hereinafter referred to as “GP1-i”) (Central Bank of Malaysia, 2007) requires that the board should encompass of directors who as a group provide a combination of core expertise for instance finance, accounting, legal, business management, information technology and investment management (GP1-i, paragraph 2.20 of Part 2). The appointment of a member of SC with expertise in the field of Shariah and Islamic finance as a member of the BoD is consistent with the requirement of GP1-i. The existence of knowledgeable board members in the field of Shariah and Islamic finance may enhance the effectiveness of the BoD in carrying out their responsibilities towards Shariah compliances (Hussain, Hassan & Azhar, 2016b). At the same time such a member may provide necessary checks and balances in ensuring the IFI operates in a safe and sound manner parallel with the objectives of IFI (GP1-i, paragraph 2.23 of Part 2).

It seems good for the IFIs to adopt this approach which could serve as a ‘bridge’ between the BoD and the SC. It is also in line with one of the roles of BoDs as IFSA stipulates that, the BoDs shall have due regard to any decision of the SC on any Shariah issue relating to the carrying on of business, affairs or activities of the institution (IFSA, paragraph 65(2) (f) ). Accordingly, a member of the SC appointed as a member of the BoDs may provide the necessary information to the BoDs particularly in approving the policies relating to Shariah matters as well as ensuring that such policies are implemented effectively (SGF, paragraph 2.2 of Part 2).

Even though the approach is very good to be practiced in the IFIs, the consequences that may result upon a member of the SC being appointed as a member of the BoDs should also be addressed in order to avoid any issue on conflict of interest. According to GP1-i, there are three types of Directors namely, Executive Director, Non-Executive Director and Independent Director (GP1-i, paragraphs 2.24-2.26 of Part 2). A member of the SC is eligible to be appointed as Independent Non-Executive Director. Accordingly, such member is subject to the limitations as stipulates in the GP1-i. However, as independent director, such a member is not barred from having less than 5% equity interest directly or indirectly in the Islamic bank or in its related companies. The question is to what extent such a member is free from any conflict of interest while making decision relating to the Shariah issue. In fact, persons authorized with decision making authority (including Directors) should exercise care to avoid circumstances that may give rise to a conflict of interest situation (GP1-i, Principle 9). Furthermore, the SC is responsible to deliver rigorous decisions on Shariah matters in an independent and objective manner (SGF, Principle 3).

It would be good if the law, in particular, SGF provides a guidance to the IFIs in selecting the appropriate member of the SC as a member of the BoD. What is most significant is that there should be a mechanism to ensure that the appointed member will be able to perform the duties effectively and be free from any element which may lead to conflict of interest. Hence, recommendation by SGF to appoint a member of the SC as a member of the BoD is a very good approach which could serve as a ‘bridge’ between the BoD and the SC of the IFI. In addition, it will strengthen the relationship between the two parties which is very important in ensuring Shariah compliance by the IFI.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it can be summarized that the Malaysian government extremely emphasizes on the independence of SC in carrying out its duties and responsibilities. It can be seen that the independence of the SC is the legal requirement to ensure the credibility of the SC. However, there are several loopholes of the existing legislations which need to be addressed by the respective authority. Necessary steps are needed as suggested above to guarantee the independence of SC in carrying out their duties and responsibilities.

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31 December 2018

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Hussain, M. A. (2018). The Independence Of The Shariah Committee Of Islamic Financial Institutions In Malaysia: Legal Analysis. In A. Abdul Rahim, A. A. Rahman, H. Abdul Wahab, N. Yaacob, A. Munirah Mohamad, & A. Husna Mohd. Arshad (Eds.), Public Law Remedies In Government Procurement: Perspective From Malaysia, vol 52. European Proceedings of Social and Behavioural Sciences (pp. 912-922). Future Academy. https://doi.org/10.15405/epsbs.2018.12.03.93