AN interfaith group has raised concerns over a purported government move to place officers from the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jakim) in government departments.
The Malaysian Consultative Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism and Taoism (MCCBCHST) said such a move could affect the fundamental rights and safeguards afforded by the Federal Constitution.
MCCBCHST was referring to an August news report in which Liberal Democratic Party vice-president David Ong raised concerns about reports that Jakim officers would be placed in every government department to ensure decisions were aligned with Islamic principles.
It said there were also other government announcements, including from Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, to expand the role of Jakim.
It said while the Federal Constitution put Islam as the religion of the federation – with court rulings affirming that the practice of Islam included acts related to rituals and ceremonies – it did not mean having an Islamic way of life for everyone.
MCCBCHST said article 11(1) of the Federal Constitution stated that every person had the right to profess and practice his religion – this being in the private sphere.
“Thus, Jakim’s involvement in the formulation of government policies to purportedly ensure they are aligned to Islamic principles is in the public sphere where it has no jurisdiction to do so.
“Furthermore, this encroachment into the public sphere may be unconstitutional as it may affect the fundamental rights guaranteed to all Malaysians.
“The MCCBCHST therefore calls upon the government and the members of parliament to remain true to their oath of office taken to preserve, protect and defend the Constitution, and also remain true to the Rukun Negara which protects diversity of cultures in the country,” it added.
The statement was signed by representatives of the Federation of Taoist Associations Malaysia, Malaysian Buddhist Association, Christian Federation of Malaysia, Malaysian Gurdwaras Council and Malaysia Hindu Sangam.
In his speech to launch the Madani Forum on Ethics of Differences of Opinion in Strengthening National Unity in July, Anwar said Jakim played a greater role in the unity government compared to federal administrations in the past.
He said Jakim was no longer merely a department overlooking Islamic religious affairs but also provided 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 take part in the Belanjawan Madani (the national budget of the Madani administration).
“The department will also 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 2, 2024.
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