PANEL’S FORMATION TIMELY, SAYS POLITICIAN
‘Committee can ensure matters concerning Islam are properly handled’
THE formation of the high-level panel on the federal institutions of Islam is timely, considering questions that are being raised concerning religion and its status in the country, Umno secretary-general Tan Sri Annuar Musa said.
He said the panel would be able to play its role and ensure matters concerning the religion were properly handled.
The panel comprises five members appointed by Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Muhammad V, with the consent of the Malay rulers. The Office of the Keeper of the Rulers’ Seal will act as its secretariat.
The committee is made up of figures from administrative, religious and academic fields.
Wanita Umno chief Datuk Noraini Ahmad said the formation of the panel was a step in the right direction in efforts to empower Islamic institutions and its position.
She said such a move was needed as religious issues involving Islam were widely talked about at the moment.
She added that there had been a cause of worry among Muslims on the position of Islam although it was guaranteed under the Federal Constitution.
She said some Muslims felt that the position of Islam, as the official religion, was being threatened, based on the political situation under the Pakatan Harapan administration. Additional reporting by Iskandar Ibrahim and Mohd Nasaruddin Parzi