Free Religious Authorities From Political Interference Pas Youth Tells Govt

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PAS Youth chief Afnan Hamimi Taib Azamudden is questioning the government’s flip-flop over its guidelines for Muslims attending non-Muslim religious events.
He said it raises concerns over the government’s commitment to upholding the National Fatwa Council’s decisions as well as Islam’s position as the religion of the federation.
He demanded that the government state its stance on the guidelines clearly, and explain why it was not adopted as part of national policy.
He also urged the government to give religious authorities such as the Islamic Development Department (Jakim) and state religious councils full autonomy to implement fatwas and guidelines without political interference that could compromise Islamic principles.
In addition, he said open and structured dialogue between the government, religious authorities and NGOs should be held to ensure religious sensitivities are respected and Islamic principles continue to be upheld in national administration.
“PAS Youth believes that Islam, as the religion of the federation, must be fully respected in all government policies and actions.
“We urge that this issue be given serious attention to ensure the sovereignty of Islam is preserved while maintaining national harmony,” he said in a statement last night.
He noted that Jakim had drafted the guidelines based on a decision made by the fatwa council, and said it is aimed at safeguarding the faith of Muslims while ensuring that harmonious relations between different races and religions in the country are preserved.
“The National Fatwa Council is an authoritative body that provides guidance to Muslims on matters related to faith and religious practices.
“Ignoring or failing to respect its views not only creates confusion among Muslims but also has the potential to undermine religious sensitivities, which have long been a cornerstone of harmony in Malaysia’s multiracial society,” he said.
Guidelines ‘unnecessary’
In a written reply to the Dewan Rakyat on Tuesday, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Na’im Mokhtar said the government is planning to introduce the new guidelines.
Among others, event 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 on Thursday that the guidelines were still under review.
He issued a joint statement with National Unity Minister Aaron Ago Dagang yesterday acknowledging the matter has raised confusion among Malaysians.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Na’im MokhtarThey said the cabinet meeting earlier that day agreed Jakim could advise Muslims on preserving their faith, but such advice cannot be construed as policy.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim also said the cabinet decided that the guidelines are unnecessary as Muslims know their limits, and the decision would soon be presented to Deputy Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Nazrin Shah.
He said that while Islam is the religion of the federation, Malaysia is a multi-ethnic and multi-religious country. - Mkini

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