Cabinet dismisses call for non-Muslim affairs minister

Summary

• Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim says the cabinet has dismissed DAP MP Chow Yu Hui’s proposal for the creation of a minister’s post to oversee non-Muslim religious affairs.

• He also says there are enough avenues for all quarters to voice their issues.

• As the prime minister, Anwar says he has not considered the proposal.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said the cabinet has dismissed DAP MP Chow Yu Hui’s proposal for the creation of a minister’s post to oversee non-Muslim religious affairs.

He also described Chow’s call as a personal opinion and not from the government.

“We have a religious affairs minister, national unity minister and the Religious Harmony Committee which has representatives from all races and religions. So, those avenues are sufficient.

“As for the appointment (of a minister), it’s the prime minister’s prerogative and I have not considered it,” Bernama reported him as saying after finishing his Friday prayers at As-Salam Mosque in Puchong Perdana today.

Chow made the suggestion when debating in the Dewan Rakyat on Feb 12, saying that there are elected representatives in charge of non-Muslim affairs under various state governments.

“State governments such as in Penang, Perak and Negeri Sembilan have long had an appointed exco for non-Muslim affairs.

“So this can be emulated at the federal level to preserve the rights of all people,” he said, adding that the second minister in charge of non-Muslim affairs can be appointed from among leaders of any other religion.

“With the government appointing a minister in charge of Islamic affairs and one in charge of non-Muslim affairs, it would not only ensure a fairer management on issues linked to religion but also strengthen national unity and prevent marginalisation of any groups,” the Raub lawmaker added.

However, Chow’s suggestion drew brickbats from friends and foes alike, with the PAS ulama council calling it an ill-conceived and irrational suggestion.

Umno secretary-general Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki called for Chow to respect the position of Islam in the Federal Constitution, while Amanah secretary-general Faiz Fadzil described the suggestion as “impractical and unnecessary”.

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