DAP MP Chow Yu Hui’s proposal for a minister in charge of non-Muslim affairs has caught flak from other ruling parties, including from within Pakatan Harapan.
In a brief statement on Facebook, Umno secretary-general Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki lambasted the suggestion and called for Chow to respect the position of Islam in the Federal Constitution.
“Show respect to Article 3 of the Federal Constitution that stipulates the position of Islam and Malay rulers as protectors of Islam.
“There is no need for a minister in charge of other religions. This is something the unity minister has to work on!” he said.
Asyraf (above) also reminded the Raub MP that all the non-Muslim leaders from parties that form the coalition government have signed an agreement not to challenge the constitution in regards to Islam, the special position of the Malay and bumiputera, Malay rulers, and Bahasa Malaysia.
“Some might say that the Constitution can be amended. While this is true, any attempt to amend the Constitution when it comes to the position of Islam and the Malays would require not only a two-thirds majority but most importantly they have to get the blessing of the Conference of Rulers.
“DAP only has 40 seats. So you can just daydream about amending the constitution to change anything about the position of Islam,” he said.
Asyraf said all Umno MPs have been told to voice the party position against Chow’s proposal when they debate in the Dewan Rakyat.
‘Impractical, unnecessary’
Amanah, which is a Harapan component party, regarded the suggestion as “impractical and unnecessary”.
Its secretary-general Faiz Fadzil said the portfolio of a minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) was based on the constitutional framework on the position of Islam in Malaysia, and aimed at ensuring effective administration of Islamic affairs and syariah laws in the country.
He said the government had also proven its fairness towards non-Muslims through the annual budget for 2024, where it channelled RM48.9 million for the maintenance of non-Muslim worship houses.
“While several state governments like Penang, Perak and Negeri Sembilan had made portfolios for non-Muslim affairs, these positions concerned administrative matters instead of being a major policy.
“They are focused on matters pertaining to management and rights of houses of worship as land issues fall under the state government. Thus, these positions were in line with the constitution,” he said.
Faiz further urged all parties to not cause any polemics which can spark disunity among the rakyat.
“It was not easy for our country to reach its independence, and unity among the multiracial society is key in defending it.
“Thus, it is unnecessary for anyone regardless of their ethnicity to create any issue or polemics that can cause disagreement among the multiracial society.”
New department
Larry Sng, who is Parti Bangsa Malaysia (PBM) president, suggested a new department under the Unity Ministry to play the role of managing non-Muslim affairs.
According to the Julau MP, creating another ministerial portfolio for non-Muslim affairs can only cause further cracks among the people.
“I believe there is no need to create a ministerial portfolio for non-Muslim affairs. A department under the National Unity Ministry should suffice.
“There are many different religions in Malaysia other than Islam, and should there be a ministry specifically catered for non-Muslims, it may create further divisions within society.
“What is more important to our country is to build greater understanding between different races and religions, which is why I feel it is within the scope of the Unity Ministry,” he told Malaysiakini.
Yesterday, Chow proposed that the religious affairs minister portfolio be split - one for Muslims and one for non-Muslims.
He argued that the two ministers under the Prime Minister’s Department could effectively discuss related issues and prevent “unwanted controversy.” - Mkini
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