Tawfik Ismail, the son of former deputy prime minister Tun Dr Ismail Abdul Rahman, wants the Islamic Development Department disbanded so that Muslims can practise their religion freely. – The Malaysian Insider file pic, November 10, 2015. Perkasa has warned Tawfik Ismail that he will face dire consequences should he refuse to apologise for the Islamic Development Department (Jakim) to be dissolved.
Jakim was the most authoritative religious institution in the country, and questioning its role went against the aspirations of Malaysia, the government and all Muslims, said the group.
“Perkasa urges Tawfik Ismail to immediately apologise to Jakim and Muslims so that no negative complications befall him.
“Perkasa believes he has no right to interfere in Jakim's affairs in this country," Perkasa Islamic Affairs Bureau chief Amini Amir Abdullah said in a statement.
Tawfik, who is the son of former deputy prime minister Tun Dr Ismail Abdul Rahman, told The Malaysian Insider in a recent interview that Jakim should be disbanded and Muslims in Malaysia should be allowed to practise their religion as they pleased.
Jakim had no constitutional role, and that the Agong, sultans, muftis and imams, or religious scholars already existed to protect Islam, he said.
Amini said Tawfik's statement could be construed as insolent, seditious and insulting to the Federal Constitution.
The Constitution allowed the government absolute power to set up, manage and fund any Islamic institution, he said.
“Hence, the formation of Jakim is in line with the aspirations and provisions in the Federal Constitution.
“Perkasa feels that as an authoritative religious body, no one can deny Jakim's existence, never mind question its jurisdiction.”
Datuk Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki, deputy minister in the prime minister’s department, yesterday defended Jakim.
He said the department faced more challenging tasks such as dealing with Shia Muslims and the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria.
“Jakim's role is no longer just about protecting the sanctity of Islam, but also addressing global conflicts and issues,” he was quoted as saying by national news agency Bernama.
The existence of Jakim should not be questioned anymore as the department served to coordinate Islamic affairs and acted as a blockade for any agenda which threatened the position of Islam in the country, he said. – November 10, 2015.
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