Anwar must explain Jakim’s role, says Ramasamy

Updated 1 year ago · Published on 4 Sep 2024 10:06AM · 3 Comments

Urimai president P. Ramasamy blames the prime minister for the confusion over the role of the Islamic Development Department in the administration. – The Malaysian Insight file pic, September 4, 2024.

PRIME Minister Anwar Ibrahim is to be blamed for the confusion over the role of the Islamic Development Department (Jakim) in the administration, Urimai president P. Ramasamy said.

“On more than one occasion, Prime Minister Anwar has said that Jakim should go beyond its traditional role.

“This has been interpreted as Jakim appointing officers in government departments to scrutinise policies (so that they) are aligned with Islam,” he said.

“Such a practice, if implemented, might pose problems for the multicultural and multiethnic society in Malaysia.”

The former Penang deputy chief minister said Anwar himself must now clear the matter since he was the person responsible for creating the confusion about Jakim’s expanded role.

Earlier this week, the Malaysian Consultative Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism and Taoism raised concerns over a supposed government move to place Jakim officers in government departments.

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

It 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.

Yesterday, Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil said the issue has been misunderstood, adding that Anwar had asked National Unity Minister Aaron Ago Dagang and Religious Affairs Minister Na’im Mokhtar to meet with the group to hear its views and clarify the matter.

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 said Jakim is no longer merely a department overseeing Islamic religious affairs but also provides input for the country’s development agenda. – September 4, 2024.

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  • My 2 cents on JAKIM and these ness today is allign to non performance if an existing entity with a bigger budget but less or no ROI year in year out. Be a man and let's do the right thing here on non performance or blowted administration....just disband em if these folks are redundant or non performing. There's many such Government Linked Companies who's not performing or no returns plus most government agencies were sublet in the past to Malay linked contractors etc....if such department deems redundant, disband em and shut it down. Bite the bullet and pay off these folks....period. Don't reassigned or transfers em...it's gonna make matters worst. Relook at all departments who's role is ensuring services to the Raakyat....if these noble intentions are not met, shut em or consolidate them into others where services are optimized....go get organized!!!! My 2 cents on management

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