Don Grades Religious Minister Na Im As Sangat Gagal

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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.
“This is very different from (Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s) understanding of nationhood,” he said in a series of posts on X today.
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.

In a written reply to the Dewan Rakyat on Tuesday, Na’im said the government is planning to introduce the new guidelines.
Among others, organisers are to seek permission from religious authorities if the event includes Muslims, and the events must not contain elements that could offend Muslim sensitivities.
Following backlash, Na’im said the guidelines were still under review.
Anwar said the cabinet will discuss the guidelines tomorrow. - Mkini

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