Federal Territories mufti Zulkifli Mohamad Al-Bakri today downplayed concerns that the Pakatan Harapan government has intentions to disband the Islamic Development Department (Jakim).

Speaking to reporters, Zulkifli said the issue does not arise as Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad himself had announced yesterday that Jakim's role would only be reviewed.

"I hold to what Tun (Mahathir) said yesterday, that the issue is not about disbanding (Jakim) but to look at its role and how to upgrade as well as strengthen it.

"InsyaAllah, there is no problem," Zulkifli said after a meeting with the Council of Eminent Persons at Ilham Tower in Kuala Lumpur this morning.

He said this when asked for comments on speculation surrounding Jakim's role under the new Pakatan Harapan government.

Jakim's role was not discussed

At the same time, Zulkifli said, the issue of Jakim's role was not discussed during the meeting that lasted for about 90 minutes.

"That (the role of Jakim) is not under my purview, so I don't know. Maybe there will be another special panel to discuss it," he added.

During the meeting, Zulkifli said he discussed with the council issues surrounding translations and meaning behind selected verses from the Al-Quran which are relevant to the current situation in Malaysia.

"We explained to the council the meaning behind several verses and chapters in the Al-Quran, as well as on matters concerning the people," he said.

Quizzed for further details, Zulkifli said he had also related to the council several hadith or narrations from the Prophet Muhammad SAW that touch on issues, including corruption.

Mahathir had, during a press conference after chairing the cabinet meeting yesterday, said that the government will continue with its plans to review Jakim's role.

On May 30, Mahathir announced the formation of a committee to evaluate Jakim's roles to ensure Islam is not portrayed as a "cruel and inconsiderate religion".

The announcement drew flak from various quarters although there were also non-profit groups, including G25, which have called for the department to be scrapped, among others.