PUTRAJAYA: The proposal to create a division for non-Muslim affairs under the Religious Minister’s portfolio is the personal opinion of DAP MP Raub MP Chow Yu Hui and can be done away with, says government spokesperson Fahmi Fadzil.
In his post-Cabinet meeting media briefing on Friday (Feb 14), the Communications Minister said that such a matter was never discussed by either the Cabinet or by DAP at its party level.
“With regard to the issue of the religious affairs minister’s portfolio being halved to allow for a non-Muslim affairs’ division - this matter has never been discussed by DAP or the Cabinet. This is the personal view of the Raub MP.
“Currently, there is already a mechanism in the Harmony Committee under the National Unity Ministry which discusses issues with regards to non-Muslim affairs and national unity. Chow’s view has no necessity,” said Fahmi.
During a debate on the motion of thanks on the Royal Address in the Dewan Rakyat on Wednesday (Feb 12), 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.
However, the proposal drew criticism from unity government allies, with Umno vice-president Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail saying the party does not need to create a ministerial position specifically for the non-Muslim community.
