THE Religious Affairs Department should be split into two separate entities, of which one will be in charge of Islamic affairs and the other to deal with other faiths, says Chow Yu Hui (PH-Raub).
A similar arrangement, he said, existed in some state government administrations, where elected representatives are appointed to manage non-Islamic religious affairs.
“Penang, Perak and Negri Sembilan have appointed an executive councillor for non-Islamic affairs.
“The Federal Government can follow this approach to safeguard the rights of all citizens,” he said when debating the motion of thanks on the royal address.
Chow also proposed that a second minister responsible for non-Islamic affairs to be appointed from among leaders of other religious communities.
He said the portfolio of the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) could be split into two; one 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 added.
Currently, all matters related to interfaith relations at the federal level are placed under the purview of the National Unity Ministry.
By having two religious affairs ministers under the Prime Minister’s Department, Chan said it would allow for more effective discussions on religious issues and help prevent unnecessary controversies.
“This move would help shape a more inclusive, diverse and harmonious Malaysia,” he said.
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 the proposed new guidelines for Muslims attending events at non-Muslim places of worship.
The proposal was revealed in a written reply on Feb 4, in which Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na’im Mokhtar said the government was planning these new guidelines.
On Feb 7, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had said that such guidelines were unnecessary after a Cabinet meeting which the matter was discussed.
