FEDERAL Territories mufti Zulkifli Mohamad Al-Bakri has given his support to a government initiative to evaluate the role of the Islamic Development Department (Jakim), and reassured concerned Muslim-rights groups that the Islamic institution will not be abolished.

“I hold to what Dr Mahathir (Mohamad) said, that the issue is not about abolishing (Jakim) but looking at its roles and how to enhance and empower it.

“There shouldn’t be any problem,” Zulkifli said after meeting with the Council of Eminent Persons at Ilham Tower today.

He said the issue of Jakim was not brought up in the one-and-a-half-hour meeting this morning, and no recommendation was given on how to streamline the department.

Zulkifli said the meeting was to discuss religious matters, and explaining issues related to the interpretation of the Quran.

On May 30, Prime Minister Dr Mahathir announced that a new committee that included religious scholars and non-religious experts would be formed to look into the role of Jakim, which has come under fierce criticism in recent years for appearing to be extreme in its policing of everyday activities of Muslims.

“We will see whether it will remain as how it is now, or revert to its original purpose,” Dr Mahathir had said.

“We will ensure it will not portray Islam as a cruel and inconsiderate religion. That is not what Islam is.”

While several Muslim groups have voiced concerns that the announcement signals the end of Jakim, G25, a group of prominent former civil servants, have welcomed the abolishment of the department.

The group has also urged the government to abolish Jakim’s research arm, Malaysia Islamic Strategic Research Institute. – June 7, 2018.