No new Jakim cadre officer appointments under unity govt, says National Unity Ministry

Mohd Na’im (left) and Aaron during a meeting with representatives from the Malaysian Consultative Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism, and Taoism (MCCBCHST). Photo credit: Dato' Setia Dr Naim/Facebook

By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, Sept 19: The Ministry of National Unity (KPN) has announced that there will be no new appointments for cadre officers in the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jakim) under the unity government.

According to a press release, Jakim cadre officers have been appointed since 2006 based on positions approved by the Public Service Department (JPA) through applications submitted by ministries, departments, or government agencies, specifically to carry out Islamic Affairs functions.

KPN stated that there are currently 1,250 Jakim cadre officers engaged in various services, including human development (soft skills, guidance on Fardu Ain and Fardu Kifayah), safety (religious classes, strengthening Aqidah, combating extremist beliefs), and prevention (religious guidance and advice, Quran and Fardu Ain classes, Islamic psychospiritual support, human development).

The announcement came after a meeting between KPN minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang and Senator Dato Setia Dr Mohd Na’im Mokhtar, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs), with representatives from the Malaysian Consultative Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism, and Taoism (MCCBCHST).

The meeting aimed to discuss issues related to the placement of officers from Jakim in government departments and ministries.

“The role of Jakim cadre officers in ministries and departments is solely focused on Islamic Affairs and does not involve policy-making or determining the direction of the ministries or departments.

“For the record, during a Cabinet meeting on Aug 14, 2020, the government agreed to establish the Interfaith Harmony Committee (JK HARMONI).

“This committee serves as the sole platform created by the government to bridge the gap between Islamic and non-Islamic religious bodies and to share perspectives that benefit the well-being of society and the nation,” KPN explained.

It highlighted that the committee’s two main functions are to propose strategies to the government based on religious values to improve understanding and harmony regarding religious diversity, and to jointly conduct awareness and harmony activities for the benefit of society.

The release continued stating that JK HARMONI meets twice a year and is co-chaired by the Minister of National Unity and the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs).

The committee consists of three agency representatives from KPN, Jakim, and the Institute of Islamic Understanding Malaysia (IKIM), 10 representatives from the Islamic faith, and 15 representatives from non-Islamic faiths.

“Under JK HARMONI, there are three main bureaus: the Bureau of Programme Management and Promotion, the Bureau of Education and Information, and the Bureau of Issue Management and Mediation, which aim to ensure more effective initiatives for interfaith harmony in Malaysia.”

Furthermore, Aaron urged all religious leaders and representatives to fully utilise the platform provided by JK HARMONI, especially the Bureau of Issue Management and Mediation, to discuss sensitive issues related to religious followers and resolve them harmoniously.

He further emphasised that every individual, regardless of their religious, cultural, or belief background, must actively contribute to ensuring peace and well-being in our society.

“We need to understand that every religion has noble values and teachings. Respecting the sensitivities of various religions not only reflects our sense of unity but also strengthens mutual respect and understanding,” he said.

The minister also highlighted that harmony does not occur automatically; it must be built through patience, empathy, and effective communication.

“Therefore, it is crucial for us to continue educating ourselves and our society about various religions and cultures.

“Through education, we can foster deeper awareness and eliminate negative perceptions that could exacerbate the situation,” he added.

KPN also disclosed in the release that the meeting reached a consensus among all religious representatives and leaders regarding the issue of Jakim officers’ placement.

“All religious leaders agreed to utilise the Bureau of Issue Management and Mediation to find solutions to any issues, problems, or controversies,” it said. — DayakDaily