Mohd Na’im Mokhtar, who was appointed by Anwar Ibrahim to be Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department in charge of Religious Affairs, could see his senatorship not renewed when it expires due to all the problems he created for the premier. But
Syarie lawyer slams calls for Na’im’s resignation
A syarie lawyer has raised concerns over the growing trend of challenging matters related to Muslims, including calls for the resignation of religious affairs minister Na’im Mokhtar, simply for not aligning with certain groups’ preferences.
Zainul Rijal Abu Bakar, an adviser to the Malaysian Muslim Lawyers’ Association (PPMM), pointed to individuals such as former DAP leader Ronnie Liu, who criticised the proposed guidelines for Muslims attending non-Muslim events.
“Although the guidelines have yet to be finalised, objections have already been voiced despite limited understanding of the matter.
“What has been drafted is merely a set of guidelines aimed at advising Muslims on how to attend such events while safeguarding their faith, all the while acknowledging Malaysia’s diverse society,” he told FMT.
Earlier today, Liu called for Na’im to be sacked following a backlash over the proposed guidelines.
He said it was not the first time that Na’im had sparked a brouhaha over religious matters, citing the outcry over a proposal in September to make halal certification mandatory for food companies that do not serve pork or alcohol.
Liu also referred to the Mufti (Federal Territories) Bill 2024, which was opposed by civil society groups and Perlis mufti Asri Zainul Abidin.
Na’im said yesterday new guidelines were in the works to set out clear rules regarding the involvement of Muslims in non-Muslim festivities and funerals, as well as events held at non-Muslim houses of worship.
Under the proposed rules, there can be no speeches or songs with religious “propaganda” or performances that would insult Muslims, while the premises cannot display the religious symbols of faiths other than Islam.
Na’im also said organisers would need to obtain the permission of the authorities, as well as the “views” of Islamic experts, if their event were to involve Muslims.
Zainul Rijal said this issue concerns Muslims and that non-Muslims should not interfere.
“Islam is a comprehensive way of life that encompasses faith, shariah and jurisprudence. Every action taken by a Muslim must align with the Quran and Sunnah.
“PPMM stands firmly behind the religious affairs minister on this matter as the guidelines will provide much-needed clarity for Muslims regarding their participation in such events,” he said.
Don grades religious minister Na’im as ‘sangat gagal’
Amid the controversy surrounding the proposed guidelines for Muslims participating in events at non-Muslim places of worship, an academic with expertise in Islamic affairs has given Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Islamic Affairs) Na’im Mokhtar the thumbs down.
Abu Hafiz Salleh Hudin, who is based at International Islamic University’s Malaysia’s (IIUM) Department of Islamic Revealed Knowledge and Human Sciences, also noted that this is not the first time the minister has caused controversy.
“This is not the first time the religious affairs minister caused problems and acted recklessly.
“Previously, the halal logo issue was still being discussed, yet he announced it before it was finalised. His parliamentary response was reported as ‘required’, and now he says it is still under discussion.
“This religious affairs minister is an abject failure (sangat gagal).
“Supporters of the Madani government consistently opposed extreme ideas and speeches from some PAS leaders. However, when PAS held the position of religious affairs minister, they were not as rigid and extreme as the current minister in Putrajaya.
According to IIUM’s website, Abu Hafiz is an assistant professor at the university and specialises in Quranic and Hadith studies, as well as the Islamic political system.
Minister caused polemics
In earlier posts, he said Na’im only has himself and his tactlessness in fielding questions in Parliament to blame for his answer becoming the subject of polemics.
He also suggested that Anwar should put Na’im on leave, perhaps “permanently”, and leave religious matters to Na’im’s deputy, Zulkifli Hasan.
All policies must consider unity, get Cabinet greenlight first, says govt
The government says all of its policies must consider national unity and obtain the Cabinet’s approval, following the controversial proposed guidelines for Muslims attending non-Muslim festivities, funerals or events at non-Muslim places of worship.
National unity minister Aaron Ago Dagang and religious affairs minister Na’im Mokhtar said the Cabinet today discussed the guidelines, particularly the “confusion” that arose over the proposal.
They said the Islamic development department (Jakim) took the initiative to draft the guidelines following queries from Muslims concerning invitations to non-Muslim events with religious elements.
“In view of this matter causing confusion among Malaysians of various races and religions, the Cabinet agreed that Jakim can issue advisories to Muslims on the need to preserve their faith, but that such advisories are not policies.
“The Cabinet also reminds all that every policy formulated must take into consideration the aspect of national unity and obtain the Cabinet’s approval first.
“The national unity ministry will continue to carry out ‘harmony dialogues’ to strengthen harmony and encourage interactions among followers of different religions in this country,” the ministers said in a joint statement.
The Cabinet discussed the guidelines today, after they were met with pushback and warnings of possible religious division.
MIC had called on Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to intervene in the matter, while former Sungai Pelek assemblyman Ronnie Liu called for Na’im to be sacked from the Cabinet.
Under the proposed rules, there can be no speeches or songs with religious “propaganda” or performances that would insult Muslims, while the premises cannot display the religious symbols of faiths other than Islam.
Organisers would also need to obtain the permission of the relevant authorities, as well as the “views” of Islamic authorities if their event were to involve Muslims.
Earlier today, Sin Chew quoted a source as saying the Cabinet had decided to scrap the proposed guidelines.
Aaron and Na’im said inclusive discussions that took into account the sensitivities of all parties were crucial to building national unity.
“Therefore, all matters closely related to religious harmony will be discussed in detail by the religious harmony committee that we jointly chair,” they said, adding that the panel comprising 24 representatives of various faiths would meet this month.
PM urged to replace incompetent ministers
Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) president Datuk Chin Su Phin has urged Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to take decisive action and replace all incompetent ministers to ensure the country gets back on the right track.
He said Malaysia is currently at a critical moment, facing economic decline, social injustice and chaotic policy, all due to the incompetence of certain ministers.
“These ministers do not only lack governance capability, but have repeatedly exposed their incompetence, hypocrisy and cowardice in front of the people.
“Malaysia can no longer be held hostage by these incompetent ministers; it is time for a major overhaul,” Chin said at the LDP Chinese New Year Open House here on Sunday, which was graced by Sabah Minister of Finance Datuk Seri Panglima Masidi Manjun who represented Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor.
He stated that the reality has once again shown that incompetent ministers not only fail to contribute to national development but are, in fact, the biggest obstacle to the country’s progress.
“These individuals enjoy high-ranking positions and salaries without fulfilling their duties.
“They are incapable of formulating effective policies, maintaining national stability, or even carrying out basic administrative functions.
“These ministers, who fail to maintain national unity and fulfil their responsibilities, are not fit to hold government positions.”
Chin emphasized that if a minister is unable to perform their duties, they must be replaced immediately.
“The people will suffer as long as incompetent people remain in the government.
“We can no longer tolerate these politicians, who are indifferent to the people’s welfare and continue to mislead the country.”
He said the people are most infuriated when some incompetent ministers compromise with extremist forces, without considering the threat to national interests, stability and unity of the country.
For instance, he said the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na’im Mokhtar has completely lost control over management, causing religious institutions (such as JAKIM) to wield excessive power, even overriding the government.
“This is a direct insult to the democratic system. Who is governing the country? Why can certain non-elected individuals determine sensitive national policies? If ministers cannot control these institutions and ensure the authority of the government, they are unfit to continue serving as ministers!”
Chin called on the Prime Minister and the Unity Government to urgently carry out a thorough government overhaul.
“Malaysia can no longer tolerate this, and the people’s patience has run out.
“These ‘little Napoleons’ are dragging down the government, preventing truly capable leaders from playing their roles, which in turn affects the country’s development and stability.”
He said Malaysia needs ministers who are truly capable and willing to serve the people.
“The people need decisive, determined and responsible leadership.
“National unity should be the government’s highest priority, not a casualty of political deals.”
Also present were LDP deputy president Datuk Yong Wui Chung, secretary general Datuk Chin Shu Ying, Kota Kinabalu Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KKCCCI) president Datuk Michael Lui.
The Coverage Malaysia
