RM2 bil for Islamic dev’t yet PM’s overseas trips rely on private funding? Muslims deserve better

AS a Muslim, I take pride in seeing the government’s commitment to Islamic development through the RM2 bil allocation for Islamic affairs in Budget 2025.

This reflects a clear prioritisation of faith-based initiatives, with substantial funds earmarked for maintaining religious schools, supporting Islamic education, and even printing and distributing one million copies of the Quran globally.

These efforts are commendable and align with our shared duty to uphold and spread the teachings of Islam.

However, I cannot help but feel a sense of unease and embarrassment when juxtaposing this noble commitment with recent revelations about the government’s reliance on corporate sponsorships for official overseas trips.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim disclosed in the Dewan Rakyat on Thursday (Nov 21) that up to 80% of his travel costs for diplomatic missions were covered by private companies, including major players like PETRONAS, PROTON, Sapura Energy Bhd and Yinson Holdings Bhd.

While cost-saving measures are understandable in challenging economic times, relying on corporate sponsorship for the PM’s duties is not only unbecoming but erodes the dignity of the office.

Contradict Islamic teachings

Surely, if the Madani government can allocate billions for Islamic development, it can also allocate sufficient funds for the nation’s highest-level diplomatic engagements. To do otherwise suggests a misalignment of priorities that reflects poorly on the government’s management of public funds.

The situation becomes even more concerning when viewed through the lens of governance and transparency.

Corporate sponsorships for government functions, especially when involving companies with vested interests in government policies, create an uncomfortable perception of blurred lines between public duties and private interests.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim

As Islamic teachings emphasise the importance of amanah (trust) and transparency in leadership, the reliance on private funding raises questions about whether these values are being upheld.

Allocating funds for Islamic affairs is not only appropriate but necessary for the spiritual and social development of the ummah (Muslim solidarity). Yet, it is equally essential to ensure that our leadership is not placed in a position where it must seek private sponsorship for basic governance functions.

Doing so not only tarnishes the image of the government but also risks undermining public trust in its commitment to ethical leadership.

As a government championing the Madani concept and advocating for transparency, the onus is on them to rectify this inconsistency. This would not only uphold the principles of fiscal prudence but also align with the Islamic values of accountability and good governance.

Let us not forget that the credibility of our leaders, especially in carrying out their official duties, is as important as the initiatives we champion.

May we strive for a governance system that reflects the best of our faith and values, thus avoiding embarrassing compromises that do not befit the leadership of a proud Islamic nation. 

Johan Abu Bakar is a reader of Focus Malaysia.

The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of  MMKtT.

- Focus Malaysia.