The Pakatan Harapan government has decided to keep the controversial National Civics Bureau (BTN), which has previously been accused of being a hindrance to national unity.

BTN is among the 26 department and agencies that continue to be placed under the Prime Minister's Department (PMD).

Others retained were the National Security Council (NSC) and the Malaysian Department of Islamic Development (Jakim).

In a letter dated June 26 signed off by chief secretary to the government Ali Hamsa, the PMD has brought up the proposal to rationalise its 90 entities, which takes effect on July 1.

The government approved the overhaul plan after discussions between Ali and Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

Forty departments and agencies have been transferred to other ministries while five others have been merged.

Beside that, 10 departments and agencies have been abolished while nine others directly report to the Parliament.

Several NGOs, including human right watchdog Suaram, had called on the new government to dissolve BTN as it was a hindrance to national unity and critical thinking.

Putrajaya is currently reviewing the National Security Council Act (NSC) 2016 for possible amendment or repeal.

In its manifesto announced in March, Pakatan Harapan had pledged to abolish NSC Act and several other draconian laws. 

Jakim was established in 1997 during Mahathir's era.

It received an allocation of RM1 billion in 2015 and was allocated RM810.89 million under Budget 2018.

Mahathir stated that the government would continue with its plans to review Jakim's role.

Mahathir had earlier announced the formation of a committee to evaluate the agency, with the aim of ensuring Islam is not portrayed as a "cruel and inconsiderate religion".

The announcement drew flak from various quarters, but support from other groups, such as G25.