Islamic agencies under PM’s Dept to be restructured

(The Star) – Islamic agencies under the Prime Minister’s Department (PMD) will be restructured as part of a plan to increase efficiency and cut costs, reports The Malaysian Insight.

The online news portal reported that seven out 12 such agencies would now be placed under the minister in the PMD in charge of Islamic affairs, while Tabung Haji will remain under the PMD.

The portal based its report on a letter (that it had seen) signed by Chief Secretary Tan Sri Ali Hamsa approving the revamp.

It reported that four major Federal Territories religious departments and agencies will be moved to the Federal Territories Ministry from Monday (July 2), namely the mufti’s office, Federal Territories Islamic Religious Council (MAIWP), the shariah prosecution department and the shariah courts.

Two agencies previously under the PMD – the Al-Hijrah television station and the Malaysian Institute of Islamic Understanding (Ikim) will be under the authority of the Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim).

Two other departments and three Islamic-related foundations will also be placed under Jakim’s purview.

Jakim, Tabung Haji and the five agencies, were previously under the jurisdiction of the minister in the PMD in charge of Islamic affairs, who is tipped to be Datuk Dr Mujahid Yusof Rawa from Parti Amanah Negara.

Last month, Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad announced that the role of Jakim and its functions would be reviewed by a committee of religious scholars and non-religious experts.