KUALA LUMPUR: A government lawmaker has proposed splitting the Religious Affairs Department into two separate entities, one for Islam and another for other religions.
Chow Yu Hui (PH-Raub) said that existing representatives have already been appointed to manage matters of other religions under certain state governments.
"Penang, Perak, and Negri Sembilan have appointed an executive councillor for non-Islamic affairs," he said.
Chow added that the Federal Government could follow this approach to safeguard the rights of all citizens," he added when
He said this when debating the Royal Address at the Dewan Rakyat on Wednesday (Feb 12) and then proposed appointing a second minister responsible for non-Islamic affairs from among leaders of other religious communities.
Chow also suggested that the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) portfolio be divided into two—one specifically for Islamic affairs and another for non-Islamic affairs.
"The minister could appoint a respected leader from the non-Muslim community to oversee non-Islamic affairs," he said.
Chow further elaborated that having two religious affairs ministers under the Prime Minister’s Department would allow for more effective discussions on related issues and help prevent unnecessary controversies.
He said it would ensure fair religious governance, strengthen national unity, and prevent any group from being sidelined.
"Both ministers could engage in in-depth discussions on various religious issues to prevent unnecessary controversies. This move would help shape a more inclusive, diverse, and harmonious Malaysia," he said.
Currently, all matters related to interfaith relations at the federal level fall under the jurisdiction of the National Unity Ministry.
On Monday, National Unity Minister Aaron Ago Dagang defended himself against calls from an academic to abolish his ministry over allegations of poor performance.
The call was reportedly made following the recent controversy surrounding proposed new guidelines for Muslims attending non-Muslim places of worship for events.
Such a proposal was revealed in a written reply on Feb 4, in which Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Na’im Mokhtar said the government was planning these new guidelines.
On Feb 7, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim stated that such guidelines were unnecessary after a Cabinet meeting where the matter was discussed.
