Grilled on Hardtalk, Mujahid pledges ‘new narrative’ on Islam, defends policies

Mujahid Yusof Rawa.

PETALING JAYA: The minister in charge of Islamic affairs today appeared on the BBC Hardtalk programme to defend the government’s track record on contentious issues affecting Islam, while pledging to come up with a “new narrative” on Islam that he said would not repeat past mistakes.

“When we came to power, we reject to be that government who exploits religion and race for political purposes. That is why we are advocating Islam as a very progressive religion and a role that it can play, and we have come with a new narrative of Islam in Malaysia under the new government, of what we call a compassionate Islam, that we hope will trigger national unity,” Mujahid Yusof Rawa said in the interview with host Zeinab Badawi, aired tonight by BBC.

Mujahid said the PH government must not “repeat the same mistakes of the previous government” when it comes to Islamic issues.

“In order to do that you need to have a strong narrative of Islam,” he said.

In the 30-minute show, he was asked about the Islamic authorities’ crackdown on Shia Muslims in Malaysia, as well as his statements praising Dr Zakir Naik.

But Mujahid denied endorsing the Indian Muslim preacher, saying he had repeatedly warned him about his provocative speeches.

He also brushed aside questions on the authorities’ prosecution of Sisters in Islam, saying it was not the action of the present government.

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