DEPUTY Home Minister Nur Jazlan Mohamed wants outspoken preacher Zamihan Mat Zin to shut up and think twice before issuing controversial statements, Bernama reported today.

And the Islamic Development Department (Jakim) officer is free to leave the government if he is unhappy with government policies, said Nur Jazlan in Johor Baru today.

The deputy minister was commenting on a video clip of Zamihan calling Prime Minister Najib Razak “unintelligent” and “unrealistic” for giving a 16ha piece of land to Saudi Arabia to build the King Salman Centre for International Peace. 

“Deputy Prime Minister Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi may have acknowledged his abilities, but I want him to shut up, think carefully before issuing statements, or get out if he cannot accept the government’s policies,” Nur Jazlan said.

The home ministry is disappointed with Zamihan, who appears to be ignoring the advice and warnings he has received from various parties, said Bernama.

“We are disappointed. Before this he challenged the royal institution and now the prime minister. We do not dispute his capability in carrying out his duties in the home ministry but he cannot act like this as he is also a civil servant,” said Nur Jazlan.

The Pulai MP also did not reject the possibility that Zamihan’s role in the home ministry would be reexamined.

A Jakim officer, Zamihan also serves as a Prisons Department officer tasked with rehabilitating jailed terrorists.

“Every word that he utters in public reflects on the home ministry’s image and integrity.

“I would also like to as him not to sensationalise the conflicts in the Middle East.”

Zamihan had said that it was unrealistic of Malaysia to expect Saudi Arabia to combat the Islamic State in Southeast Asia when it could not fight terrorism in its own region.

Nur Jazlan said Zamihan should not dispute Putrajaya’s decision to help set up the King Salman Centre for International Peace as it was a personal inspiration from Saudi ruler King Salman Abdulaziz Al-Saud.

“Moreover, the construction costs are being borne fully by the Saudi government and will aid in developing Islam in the country.” – November 12, 2017.