Islam is a sensitive matter, warns Najib
Published: Feb 25, 2005 9:11 AM | Updated: Jan 29, 2008 10:21 AM
The sensitivities of the Islamic community must be considered when formulating proposals that could interfere with the religion as this is a 'sensitive matter', said Deputy Premier Najib Abdul Razak today.
The sensitivities of the Islamic community must be considered when formulating proposals that could interfere with the religion as this is a 'sensitive matter', said Deputy Premier Najib Abdul Razak today.
He said all quarters must realise that Islam is the official religion and there are certain bodies in place to handle matters pertaining to it.
The deputy premier was commenting on the proposal to form an interfaith commission, which some have termed as an attempt to meddle in Islamic affairs.
Elaborating, Najib said everyone is free to make suggestions in this country but not all of them can be accepted.
"We will carry out an in-depth study especially when it involves the position of Islam, this is a very sensitive matter," he was quoted as saying in a Bernama report.
From the aspect of administration, he added that Islam has a structure and powers in place to deal with issues pertaining to the religion.
Meticulous study
He said the government will conduct a meticulous study of the proposal and make a decision later.
"What we encourage is interfaith dialogues but not necessarily in the form of a commission and so forth," he added.
On the same note, he noted that such sensitive issues should not be blown out of proportion.
Yesterday, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Dr Abdullah Mohamed Zin reportedly said that the commission cannot be established as it would contravene the federal constitution.
Opening a national conference on the proposed commission in Kuala Lumpur yesterday, Culture, Arts and Heritage Minister Dr Rais Yatim said any effort that aims to bring people together is worth an attempt.
"I am here today with an open mind. We need to first listen to the content of the proposal and not pre-judge the discussion.
"If the content of the draft proposal (being discussed here) is not suitable, the Attorney-General can make the relevant changes accordingly," he told a press conference.
Although some are prejudiced against the move, Rais said the initiative will be good for Malaysia's national harmony and unity.
He said all quarters must realise that Islam is the official religion and there are certain bodies in place to handle matters pertaining to it.
The deputy premier was commenting on the proposal to form an interfaith commission, which some have termed as an attempt to meddle in Islamic affairs. Elaborating, Najib said everyone is free to make suggestions in this country but not all of them can be accepted.
"We will carry out an in-depth study especially when it involves the position of Islam, this is a very sensitive matter," he was quoted as saying in a Bernama report.
From the aspect of administration, he added that Islam has a structure and powers in place to deal with issues pertaining to the religion.
Meticulous study
He said the government will conduct a meticulous study of the proposal and make a decision later.
"What we encourage is interfaith dialogues but not necessarily in the form of a commission and so forth," he added.
On the same note, he noted that such sensitive issues should not be blown out of proportion.
Yesterday, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Dr Abdullah Mohamed Zin reportedly said that the commission cannot be established as it would contravene the federal constitution.
Opening a national conference on the proposed commission in Kuala Lumpur yesterday, Culture, Arts and Heritage Minister Dr Rais Yatim said any effort that aims to bring people together is worth an attempt."I am here today with an open mind. We need to first listen to the content of the proposal and not pre-judge the discussion.
"If the content of the draft proposal (being discussed here) is not suitable, the Attorney-General can make the relevant changes accordingly," he told a press conference.
Although some are prejudiced against the move, Rais said the initiative will be good for Malaysia's national harmony and unity.
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