Jakim still under Prime Minister's Department

 

PARLIAMENT | The Islamic Development Department (Jakim) will remain under the purview of the Prime Minister's Department.

Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Islamic Affairs) Idris Ahmad told the Dewan Rakyat that confusion over Jakim's status was caused by inaccurate media reports involving the National Islamic Affairs Council (MKI).

Idris explained that the rulers now lead the MKI, which previously was headed by civilians.

"The Conference of Rulers had chosen His Majesty the sultan of Selangor to chair the MKI," Idris said.

MKI was established in 1969 by the Conference of Rulers as a body to coordinate Islamic administrative matters across states.

Jakim was formed in 1997 and was the latest incarnation of the MKI's secretariat.

"Jakim's role is in drafting and ensuring uniformity in Islamic legislation, strengthening Islamic administration and developing Islamic education.

"These functions are in line with Jakim's role as secretary and secretariat to the MKI, which comes under the purview of the Conference of Rulers," he added.

Idris was responding to a question from Abdul Latiff Abdul Rahman (Perikatan Nasional-Kuala Krai).

On March 10, a report by The Star claimed that Jakim will be placed under the authority of the Malay Rulers.

Istana Negara issued a statement two days later clarifying that this report was inaccurate. - Mkini