KUALA LUMPUR: Parti Amanah Negara (Amanah) has welcomed the formation of a high-level Islamic Affairs Committee, saying that the panel will allow Malay Rulers to carry out its function as enshrined in the Federal Constitution.
Its vice-president Hasanuddin Mohd Yunus said the panel would ensure that Yang di-Pertuan Agong will play an important role in managing Islamic affairs in the country.
“During the previous government, there was no open space for the Malay Rulers. The set-up of the panel will enable ministers to communicate with the Rulers on any issues related to Islam.
“Before this, any decision was made immediately. The Yang di-Pertuan Agong will then give his consent on the decision.
“However, this time around, the discussion between the government and the panel under the Malay Rulers will move simultaneously, to avoid any overlapping of roles.
“Hence, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong will carry out his role, while the government through agency like Islamic Development Department (Jakim) will carry out its duties accordingly,” he said when contacted by NSTP today.
He was commenting on the formation of a high-level panel on the Federal institutions of Islam.
The panel comprises five members appointed by Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Sultan Muhammad V, with the consent of the Malay Rulers.
The Hulu Langat member of parliament also said that besides Jakim, the panel should look into and review agencies like Malaysian Islam Strategic Research Institute (Iksim) which was alleged to have failed to fulfil its role.
“Iksim was created to uphold Islam and the institution of the Rulers, but so far it has been campaigning for certain parties.
“Iksim's role will need to be audited.” he said.