KUALA LUMPUR, June 14 – Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's proposal to expand the role of the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jakim) is a recognition of the department's current function and position.
Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar said this commitment proved that the Unity Government led by Anwar is giving the department a wider platform in its role in national development.
"The Unity Government has set a clear direction and agenda regarding the development of Islam in the national administration. Now, it’s time for the management of Jakim to respond to the challenge posed by the national leadership.
"Islam is a way of life, therefore the prime minister wants that the role of Jakim to be expanded beyond its traditional function which needs to cover wider areas and have a significant impact on the development of the country," he told Bernama.
On Sunday, Anwar said the federal government wanted Jakim's role to be expanded, including helping in the drafting of a national development policy framework based on Malaysia MADANI.
Commenting further, Mohd Na'im said Jakim is currently drawing up a structure to implement the expansion of its role, among others, to focus on the translation of the Maqasid Syariah application and Islamic values with various agencies in government policies.
He said Jakim will also intensify cooperation collectively, across various agencies and fields to translate Islamic values into policies that include economic development, poverty eradication, environmental conservation, education and social empowerment.
As the main agency that manages Islamic affairs in the federal rank, there are three main roles of JAKIM which is to draft and standardise Islamic law; coordinate, and develop Islamic education; and coordinate Islamic administration.
– Bernama
