Deputy minister: Tun Dr Ismail’s son pining for days when Malays drank whisky

(Malay Mail Online) – Tawfik Ismail’s suggestion for the Department of Islamic Development (Jakim) to be abolished was a reflection of his desire to see Malays return to a time when they indulged in alcohol, said Senator Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki.

In a Facebook post rebutting the suggestion by the son of the late Tun Dr Ismail Abdul Rahman, the deputy minister in the Prime Minister’s Department also said that Jakim has contributed significantly towards the advancement of Islam in the country.

“I regret the views of a former deputy prime minister’s son in wanting Jakim to be abolished and for Malaysia to return to a time when Malay-Muslims indulged in hard liquor such as whisky and brandy,” Asyraf wrote in his post.

“For your information, Jakim is also the secretariat for the National Council for Islamic Religious Affairs of Malaysia whose existence is accepted and authorised by the Council of Malay Rulers, which is tasked with preserving the sanctity of Islam in Malaysia.”

In a separate statement to national news agency Bernama, the deputy minister also explained that Jakim’s duties have expanded beyond developing the religion, and now included combating the rise of the Islamic State and Shiah ideologies.

Malaysia recognises only the Sunni denomination of Islam, and considers the Shiah school of jurisprudence to be deviant.

In an interview published by The Malaysian Insider news portal yesterday, Tawfik suggested that Jakim be dissolved to allow the country to return to a time when the federal government did not meddle in the religious affairs and practices of citizens.

He alleged that the federal agency served no actual purpose beyond interfering in the lives of Muslims.

Tawfik pointed out that Malays, including his father, had once owned dogs without issue, but the practice has become controversial following efforts by Jakim to allegedly infuse elements of Arabic culture into the country.

He also cited admissions by his late father that the latter had consumed alcoholic beverages such as whisky and brandy.