Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) is pleased to announce the appointment of Dato’ Zabariah Mohd Yusof as a new member of the Shariah Advisory Council (SAC) for a two-year term, with effect from 1 February 2026. This appointment is 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, audit and law. The SAC members are:

1. Dato’ Prof. Dr. Ashraf Md Hashim (Chairperson)
   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. Encik Burhanuddin Lukman (Member)
   Independent Shariah Consultant
    
4. Sahibus Samahah Dato' Setia Dr. Haji Anhar Haji Opir (Member)
   Mufti of Selangor
    
5. Dr. Marjan Muhammad (Member)
   Deputy President Research, ISRA Institute, INCEIF University
    
6. Dr. Ahmad Basri Ibrahim (Member)
   Head, Shariah Management, Permodalan Nasional Berhad
    
7. Prof. Dr. Amir Shaharuddin (Member)
   Director, Centre for Excellence in Islamic Social Finance, INCEIF University
    
8. Dr. Abdul Rahim Abdul Rahman (Member)
   Member of Majlis Agama Islam Wilayah Persekutuan (MAIWP)
    
9. Dato’ Zabariah Mohd Yusof (New Member)
   Former Judge, Federal Court

The SAC is the highest authority for the ascertainment of Islamic law for purposes of Islamic financial business in Malaysia. It is central in promoting Shariah certainty and sustaining public confidence in the Islamic finance industry. The SAC also advises BNM on Shariah issues relating to Islamic financial activities or transactions of BNM. The rulings of the SAC serve as a reference for Islamic financial institutions in ensuring their business operations comply with Shariah principles. The rulings may also serve as a reference for the courts and arbitrators.