KUALA LUMPUR: Opposition leader Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin has questioned Raub MP Chow Yu Hui's proposal to split the religious affairs portfolio into one for Islamic affairs and another for non-Islamic, reminding the latter that Islam is the official religion of the country.
Hamzah said that the appointment of a Muslim as Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) was due to that.
"This is to ensure that the position of Islam remains protected and more importantly Islam is the official religion of the country," he said during a press conference at the parliament's media centre on Thursday (Feb 13).
During a debate on the motion of thanks on the Royal Address in the Dewan Rakyat on Wednesday (Feb 12), Chow proposed splitting the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) portfolio, arguing that it would ensure fair religious governance, strengthen national unity, and prevent any group from being sidelined.
To protect harmony, the government had already established the National Unity Ministry, so that matters involving other faiths can be discussed, said Hamzah.
"The National Unity Ministry can discuss and view the approach on how to help other faiths and the position of their culture.
"This can also be seen in how we can showcase their various cultures to those outside that we are diverse," added the Opposition leader.
