JOHOR BAHRU: The Home Ministry will carefully study the proposal to remove the religious status on the national identity card, said its Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.
He said this was because the government does not want to create any problem as this could be a sensitive subject to some people.
However he said while the matter was being studied, the status would continue to be retained in the identity card.
"(So far), I have not received any official request on the proposal. Previously some people have put forward this proposal for consideration, but after the matter was discussed no changes were made.
"I will have to see whether the move is appropriate or not. Some are with the view that the proposal is against the Constitution, as it deals with the special position of the Malays."
He said this to reporters after officiating an informal session with leaders in conjunction with the launch of the book ‘Bersatu Mulanya Di Sini’ at a hotel here yesterday.
Also present was Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Dr Sahruddin Jamal who is also Johor Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) secretary.
Last Wednesday, Senator Nga Hock Cheh told the Dewan Negara sitting that among causes of disunity in the country was that individuals were identified according their race and he suggested that the status be dropped. The proposal was however met with criticisms.
On another note Muhyiddin said the Pakatan Harapan (PH) government was not giving excuses on the the implementation of promises made under its manifesto for the 14th general election.
The Bersatu president said the government was aware that the people wanted the election promises to be fulfilled but not much could be done because of limited financial resources.
"We inherited a government that was on the verge of bankruptcy so we have to set our priorities right,” he added.
As such he said, it was unfair to say that PH especially Bersatu had done nothing for the well-being of the people since taking over the government almost a year ago. -- Bernama