By Centre for Policy Initiatives
The recent announcement by Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil that the placement of Islamic Development Department (Jakim) officers in government departments is not for policymaking but “to oversee the integrity and spiritual wellbeing of civil servants” does not allay or address the concerns of political parties, politicians and the public in Sabah and Sarawak.
The Centre for Policy Initiatives is also very apprehensive about the proposal in which Jakim is considering making halal certification compulsory for restaurants and food establishments that do not serve pork or alcohol. This latest “Malaysia Madani” (civil and compassionate Malaysia) policy measure will have serious negative ramifications and ripple effects – intended and unintended – to society and the community in Sabah and Sarawak.
The Centre for Policy Initiatives is proud of our multi-religious and multicultural way of life. It is one in which people of all religious persuasions gather at the same table in public and eat, drink and socialise in genuine harmony and unity – without the need for any form of religious certification.
It is unnecessary and regressive to make it compulsory for non-Muslim shops to obtain halal certification and to place Jakim officers to exercise religious oversight on government agencies in the Borneo region, where liberal and secular norms have been the heritage and practice.
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The Centre for Policy Initiatives calls on the federal authorities and government to consult and engage with our political, business, social and religious leaders before the implementation of these two and other similar policy measures.
It also calls on all stake players and stakeholders from Sabah and Sarawak, including the media, to share and disseminate widely their opposition to any unwarranted, ill-advised and politically opportunistic measure of Madani or any other religiously driven policy measure or action. – Centre for Policy Initiatives
Anthony Kiob is chief executive officer of the Centre for Policy Initiatives.
AGENDA RAKYAT - Lima perkara utama
- Tegakkan maruah serta kualiti kehidupan rakyat
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- Selamatkan demokrasi dan angkatkan keluhuran undang-undang
- Lawan rasuah dan kronisme
