Jakim there to streamline Islam, says Muslim lawyers

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Muslim Lawyers Association Malaysia (PPMM) president, Zainul Rijal Abu Bakar said the formation of the Islamic Advancement Department (Jakim) is to help streamline Islamic laws and its enforcement between the states.

Zainul Rijal added this has helped to avoid differences between one state and another, and done without affecting their powers.

PPMM, he disclosed, does not agree with the proposal to disband Jakim but for it to be re-organised and placed under the Conference of Rulers. It is now under the Prime Minister's Department.

"This way, Jakim would be viewed as more effective in doing its work, free from any political influences," said Zainul Rijal in a statement today.

He also opined that the formation of Jakim was not against the federal constitution, and asked the federal government to continue giving funds to Jakim as provided under Article 12 (2), which stipulates it is legal for the federal or state government to help with the maintenance and in the forming of Islamic institutions.

Not surprised

Zainul Rijal further added the association was not surprised with calls made by the son of former Deputy Prime Minister Ismail Abdul Rahman, Tawfik, for Jakim to be abolished as he may not be familiar with the Islamisation process in Malaysia.

Historically, in 1968 the Conference of Rulers decided the need for a body be formed for the development and advancement of Muslims in the country.

Following that, a secretariat called the National Islamic Affairs Council was formed in 1968. It was expanded to become the religious affairs division in the Prime Minister's Department. In 1997, it became Jakim.

Jakim, Zainur Rijal said, is entrusted to plan the development and advancement of Islamic matters, formulate policies to protect Islamic teachings, formulate and streamline laws related to Islam, and implement programmes for Muslims.

He reiterated that Jakim's formation was not against the federal constitution.

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