Fahmi says 'all secret' when asked about cabinet meet on guidelines

Summary

• Government spokesperson Fahmi Fadzil tells reporters to “refer to the statement” when asked about the cabinet meeting on interfaith guidelines.

• He explains that what goes on during the cabinet meeting is confidential and falls under the Official Secrets Act.

Government spokesperson Fahmi Fadzil has sidestepped questions regarding the proposed guidelines for Muslims attending events at non-Islamic houses of worship.

Speaking to the media after the cabinet meeting, Fahmi repeatedly said “Please refer to the media statement (Sila rujuk kenyataan media)”.

Among the questions raised were whether any ministers or ministries would face action for allegedly jumping the gun by announcing the matter in Parliament on Tuesday or if the cabinet discussed the guidelines. 

Just hours before Fahmi’s press conference, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Na’im Mokhtar and National Unity Minister Aaron Ago Dagang issued a joint statement, clarifying that any policy decision on the matter would require cabinet approval first.

When asked about the atmosphere during the meeting when discussing the matter, Fahmi declined to elaborate.

“Any matter discussed in the cabinet is confidential. If I were to disclose everything here, the Official Secrets Act would apply,” he said.

He added that those needing clarification on the proposed guidelines can refer to Na’im or Aaron’s ministries. 

“Both of them can be referred to. They are coordinated, and that is why they released the statement together,” he explained.

During the Dewan Rakyat session on Feb 5, Na’im, in a written parliamentary response to Pokok Sena MP Ahmad Saad Yahaya, stated that one of the requirements under the guidelines was for event organisers to seek input from Islamic religious authorities before holding celebrations involving Muslim leaders or attendees.

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