KUALA LUMPUR: Serious and coordinated action by the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jakim) and enforcement agencies is essential to address the issue of deviant teachings, says the Prime Minister.
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim (pic) said his Madani government was committed to tackling all forms of deviant ideologies that threatened the beliefs and practices of Muslims in the country.
“May Allah protect us and this country from any danger or threat that deviates from and could undermine the true tenets of our faith and Islamic principles,” he said in a Facebook post after meeting with Jakim’s top management yesterday.
Anwar said the meeting focused on various issues related to Islamic affairs in the country, including the halal sector.
“This platform is vital, considering the latest developments, especially regarding the economic prospects of the halal industry both domestically and internationally.
“It calls for collaboration among federal agencies to enhance Malaysia’s halal industry,” he added.
The meeting comes in the wake of investigations by authorities into the activities of Global Ikhwan Services and Business Holdings (GISB) over a slew of criminal offences which included deviant teachings.
Jakim is looking at pamphlets and books seized during raids on GlSB which would form the basis of a report to be discussed during the meeting of the National Council of Islamic Religious Affairs.
On Sept 21, Perlis became the first state to declare GlSB as a deviant sect while Selangor will meet on Monday to decide on the matter.
Kelantan mufti Datuk Mohamad Shukri Mohamad was reported to have said on Sept 21 that the state will only declare GISB as deviant if its teachings was similar to that of the banned Al-Arqam.
On Sept 17, the Melaka government gazetted five cults as deviant following a declaration by the state fatwa committee that these groups had deviated from the true teachings of Islam.
