KUALA LUMPUR: The government will not dissolve the Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim) but instead review its role and structure, the Dewan Rakyat was told.
Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department, Dr Fuziah Salleh said the move was necessary to empower its position as a Federal-level religious agency.
She said the government intends to make Jakim a more effective and efficient agency in the future.
“Efforts to empower and uphold Islam in all aspects have been made a priority by the government.
“It is in line with Article 3(1) of the Federal Constitution that states Islam as the religion of the federation and freedom (to profess and practise) religion,” she said in reply to a question by Tan Sri Annuar Musa (BN-Umno Ketereh).
On a supplementary question by Hasanuddin Mohd Yunus (PH-Amanah Hulu Langat) on the government’s stand on Malaysian Islamic Strategic Research Institute (IKSIM), Fuziah said its role would also be reviewed.
“Fund application from IKSIM had been frozen. We are clearing and evaluating its position whether to change the board members, maintain or dissolve (the institute),” she said.
