Sim Pans Hypocrite Pas For Opposing Non Muslim Affairs Minister Idea

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PKR MP Sim Tze Tzin lashed out at PAS for criticising a lawmaker’s idea for the government to appoint a minister to be in charge of non-Muslim affairs.
Calling the Islamist party a hypocrite, Sim (above) pointed out that in 2009, the then-Pakatan Rakyat-led Selangor government had established the state-level special committee for Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism and Taoism.
“Selangor even had a state executive councillor in charge of the committee.
“And PAS was part of the Selangor administration then but the committee didn’t bother them at the time.
“So, why is it an issue now? If PAS does it, it’s alright but others cannot do the same. Isn’t this a hypocrisy?” he said on X today.
It should be noted that PAS was part of the Pakatan Rakyat coalition back then, together with PKR and DAP.
Back then, Banting assemblyperson V Papparaidu and Sekinchan assemblyperson Ng Suee Lim - both state executive councillors - co-chaired the special committee.
Preserving all rights
Yesterday, Raub MP Chow Yu Hui proposed that the religious affairs portfolio under the Prime Minister’s Department be divided between Islam and all other religions.
Chow justified the call by pointing out that various state governments have elected representatives appointed to be in charge of non-Muslim affairs.
Raub MP Chow Yu Hui“State governments such as in Penang, Perak and Negeri Sembilan have long had an appointed exco for non-Muslim affairs.
“So, this can be emulated at the federal level to preserve the rights of all people.
“With the government appointing a minister in charge of Islamic affairs and one in charge of non-Muslim affairs, it would not only ensure a fairer management on issues linked to religion but also strengthen national unity and prevent marginalisation of any groups,” Chow said.
‘Unconstitutional’
However, his proposal was panned by several quarters, with PAS Ulama Council chief Ahmad Yahaya saying it was an attempt to equate Islam with other religions in Malaysia.
The Malaysian Muslim Lawyers' Association also voiced objections to the idea, claiming it runs contrary to the Federal Constitution – which declares Islam as the official religion of the federation.
While Sim specifically targeted PAS for his criticism, it should be noted that Umno and Amanah also objected to the proposal.
“There is no need for a minister in charge of other religions. The national unity minister should be doing this,” party secretary-general Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki said on Facebook.
- Mkini

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