MINISTER in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Mohd Na’im Mokhtar today said he respects Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s decision not to appoint a deputy minister under the portfolio.

Na’im said the absence of a deputy minister will not hinder his efforts to lead the portfolio and look after matters related to Islamic affairs in the country.

“It is the prime minister’s prerogative. I respect his decision. As I have mentioned before, this (being appointed a minister) is a big responsibility and it will be a greater (responsibility) without a deputy minister,” he said after officiating at the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia’s (Jakim) Munaqasyah Sekretariat Dakwah Korporat 2022 programme in Putrajaya today.

“We will do our best in shouldering (the responsibility). Insya-Allah, if we managed to fulfil our duties, it will show civil servants’ ability.”

Also present was Jakim director-general Hakimah Mohd Yusoff.

Yesterday, Anwar announced the appointment of 27 deputy ministers.

The prime minister said the list of names had been consented to by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

However, the list of deputy ministers did not include deputy ministers for the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) and the National Unity Ministry.

Na’im, when delivering his speech at the event, expressed hope that the programme would be able to produce high-impact corporate dakwah (preaching) products that would raise the image and prestige of the country’s dakwah management. – Bernama, December 10, 2022.