PRIME Minister Anwar Ibrahim converted a man to Islam at his request, de facto religious affairs minister Mohd Na’im Mokhtar said

Na’im said Anwar’s actions at the Ar-Rahimiah Mosque in Klang were constitutional.

“He only obliged the request of the individual who wanted him to perform the ceremony. His presence there was unplanned.

“The fact that the prime minister personally converted the man to Islam was something interesting and a historic day for the new convert,” he said visiting the family of a e-hailing driver who was killed in the August 17 plane crash in Shah Alam.

Na’im was commenting on the criticism Anwar had received for leading the conversion ceremony. Critics had said that such actions were not suited to a prime minister.

Na’im said the prime minister’s participation in the event  was also at the request of Malaysian Islamic Welfare Organisation Klang chapter chairman Hushim Salleh, who happened to be praying in the mosque at the time.

A video has gone viral showing Anwar leaving the mosque after Friday prayers but being invited back inside to attend the ceremony.

Meanwhile, Na’im said his office will look into aid for the deceased driver’s widow and two children.

“Among other things, we will get the Selangor Islamic Religious Council to look into the family’s needs because his widow is not working, and to consider her as a tithe recipient.” – Bernama, August 26, 2023.