COMMUNICATIONS Minister Fahmi Fadzil today said the issue regarding the placement of Islamic Development Department (Jakim) officers in government departments has been misunderstood.

He stated that claims suggesting Jakim officers would be involved in policy-making are not true.

“In my ministry, there are no Jakim officers. These claims are baseless.”

“Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has also asked National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang and Religious Affairs Minister Datuk Na’im Mokhtar to meet with the Malaysian Consultative Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism, and Taoism (Mccbchst) to hear their views and clarify the matter.”

Fahmi mentioned that Jakim had issued a statement earlier following remarks made by a human rights activist, but the Mccbchst issued a statement yesterday, which led to a misunderstanding.

“Therefore, the prime minister has instructed the two ministers to explain the matter,” he told a press conference in Putrajaya.

Yesterday, the Mccbchst raised concerns over a supposed government move to place officers from Jakim in government departments.

The interfaith council said such a move could impact the fundamental rights and safeguards provided by the Federal Constitution.

The Mccbchst was referring to an August news report in which Liberal Democratic Party vice-president David Ong expressed concerns about reports that Jakim officers would be placed in every government department to ensure decisions were aligned with Islamic principles.

The council also noted other government announcements, including from Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, regarding the expansion of Jakim’s role.

In his speech at the launch of the Madani Forum on Ethics of Differences of Opinion in Strengthening National Unity in July, Anwar said Jakim plays a greater role in the unity government compared to previous federal administrations.

He stated that Jakim is no longer merely a department overseeing Islamic religious affairs but also provides input for the country’s development agenda.

“The department will not only be involved in deciding the narrative of the country’s economy; it will also take part in the Belanjawan Madani (the national budget of the Madani administration).

“The department will provide its input on policies related to the country’s education.

“The government is also obtaining input from Jakim on our mid-term review for the 12th Malaysia Plan,” he said. – September 3, 2024.