PUCHONG: Proposal to split the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) portfolio was an individual statement by the Raub MP, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The Prime Minister added that none of the parties in the unity government agreed with the proposal.
“No parties in the unity government and Cabinet agree with this,” Prime Minister told reporters after Friday prayers here on Friday (Feb 14).
Anwar also said any appointment is at the discretion of the Prime Minister.
“We have a religious affairs minister and a national unity minister.
“There is also a harmony committee which represents all races and religions.
“This avenue is sufficient,” he said.
During a debate on the motion of thanks on the Royal Address in the Dewan Rakyat on Wednesday (Feb 12), Raub MP Chow Yu Hui 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.
The proposal however drew criticism from unity government allies, with Umno vice-president Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail saying the party does not see a need to create a ministerial position specifically for the non-Muslim community.
He said the Cabinet, which consists of members from various ethnic backgrounds, ensures that the people's concerns are heard through their elected representatives.
He said such a position, as suggested by Chow, should not be considered as it would only give rise to polemics that anger the Malay-Muslim community towards the government
Opposition leader Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin also questioned the proposal.
To protect harmony, Hamzah said the government had already established the National Unity Ministry, so that matters involving other faiths can be discussed.
