Tun M Wants JAKIM Reviewed To Ensure It Doesn't Portray Islam As "Cruel And Inconsiderate"
A committee will be set up to evaluate the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM).
By Jia Vern Tham — 30 May 2018, 08:18 PM
Prime Minister Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad announced that a committee will be set up to review the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM) earlier today, 30 May
Prime Minister Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad speaking in a press conference earlier today, 30 May.
Image via KiniTVMalaysiakini reported Mahathir as saying that a group of religious scholars and non-religious experts will be recruited to discuss the future of JAKIM. He stressed that the move is necessary to decide if JAKIM's role should be maintained as it is, or to be scaled back to its original purpose.
"We will ensure that it would not portray Islam as a cruel and inconsiderate religion. That is not what Islam is," Mahathir was quoted as saying by Malay Mail.
According to the Prime Minister, Malaysian Muslims are likely to impose certain rulings that are not in Islamic teachings
Mahathir said that there have been instances where Muslims impose certain non-Islamic rulings that portray Islam as a religion that has extremely strict practices.
"We like to impose religion, when the Quran has said, 'There is no compulsion in Islam'," he added.
JAKIM, formerly known as Islamic Affairs Division in the Prime Minister's Office (BAHEIS), was officiated by Mahathir as part of the Prime Minister's Department in 1997
In February, Free Malaysia Today reported Mahathir as defending the establishment of JAKIM. He argued that the organisation was aimed at bringing the country closer to Islamic teachings.
Malay Mail reported that JAKIM has an annual budget of nearly RM1 billion.