No need for non-Muslim affairs minister, just refer to Unity Ministry: Aaron

Summary

• National Unity Minister Aaron Ago Dagang reaffirms that there is no need to appoint another minister to take charge of non-Muslim affairs.

• Aaron points to existing divisions under his ministry tasked to handle issues related to non-Muslims.

National Unity Minister Aaron Ago Dagang has reaffirmed that there is no need to appoint a separate minister in charge of non-Muslim affairs under the Prime Minister’s Department.

Instead, Aaron told reporters in Kuala Lumpur that all issues related to non-Muslim affairs could be brought to the Interfaith Harmony Division under his ministry.

“There is no need to create a portfolio for a minister in charge of non-Muslim affairs.

“There are many divisions under this (unity) ministry that can handle non-Muslim issues, involving various parties including religious leaders,” he said as quoted by Berita Harian.

“Aside from the (interfaith harmony) division, we also have the unity issues management committee to handle ‘sensitive’ issues involving religion and others.

“If there are any issues arising, we will hold a meeting to look at related issues, discuss and suggest what actions should be taken, and explain the ‘real situation’ to the people,” he was quoted as saying.

Rejected by both sides

Aaron’s statement followed the cabinet’s decision yesterday to reject a proposal by Raub MP Chow Yu Hui for the appointment of a non-Muslim affairs minister under the Prime Minister’s Department, in addition to the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Na’im Mokhtar.

Chow’s proposal, made in the Dewan Rakyat, prompted pushback from both the opposition and the ruling parties.

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”.

Earlier, Aaron joined organisers and nearly 300 participants of an interfaith “Jejak Harmoni” programme involving visits to various houses of worship, held in conjunction with the International Interfaith Harmony Week.

Be mindful

Aaron urged all quarters to be mindful when expressing their views on religion.

He stressed that freedom of expression is not a ticket or an excuse to insult or belittle the religious beliefs of others.

“As a country rich in diversity, we cannot deny that differences exist in various aspects of life.

“However, we must see these differences as strengths and not weaknesses. This diversity should not be a dividing line, but rather the basis for a society that is inclusive and respectful,” Bernama reported Aaron as saying.

As such, he urged the public to adopt a mature attitude in discussions related to religion and race and to use freedom of speech to build stronger harmony and unity.

“Social media is a major platform in disseminating information, but it must be used responsibly,” Aaron said.

Unity Ministry holds interfaith event to increase respect, understanding

COMMENT | Need for unity among Indian community post-GE15

Cabinet dismisses call for non-Muslim affairs minister

Non-Muslim affairs minister idea draws flak from DAP allies

Sim pans 'hypocrite' PAS for opposing non-Muslim affairs minister idea

PAS, Muslim lawyers group reject non-Muslim affairs minister idea