PARLIAMENT | Putrajaya has been urged to reveal if the Institute of Islamic Strategic Research Malaysia (Iksim) is related to the Islamic Development Department (Jakim).

Mujahid Yusof Rawa (Amanah-Parit Buntar) told the Dewan Rakyat that Iksim was involved in "character assassination" during the "therapy session" programmes for Muslims that it conducted.

"I am sad to say this on record. I was told that several people, including myself, were portrayed (by Iksim) as people who have plural and dangerous liberal (values).

"Some of these leaders under attack are respected (figures) in the community and well-known for their religious knowledge.

"If this happened under Jakim's (watch), I will hold Jakim responsible for this huge slander. Don't be mischevious, I will sue in court if needed," he said.

He said Jakim should handle Islamic affairs, and not indulge in character assassination against those who disagree with them.

According to Iksim's website, the group is under the patronage of the Council of Rulers and was formed in 2014, in a joint effort by the National Islamic Affairs Council, Jakim and state religious departments.

In his winding up speech, Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki denied that Jakim was involved in any such "character assassination."

"I have listened to the naughty accusation that Jakim character-assassinated (leaders), I find this to be baseless," he said. 

As a government agency that promotes the principle of wasatiyyah (moderation), he said, Jakim cannot defame or malign any individual. 

On the matter of Iksim, Asyraf Wajdi insisted this it was not relevant for debate in the House as none of Jakim's allocations are used on Iksim-organised programmes.