JAKIM manages, not imposes its version of Islam on Muslims - DG

The Malaysian Islamic Development Department (JAKIM) acts as an agency managing Islamic affairs, not monitoring and compelling Muslims to follow the department's version of Islam, said its director-general, Datuk Othman Mustapha.

He said JAKIM also coordinates the administration of Islamic affairs in the country including legislating Islamic law and promoting Islamic education in an effort to improve the ummah in the country.

"As such the view that JAKIM monitors the private lives of citizens and forcing its version of Islam onto others is not true and far-fetched," he said in a statement here today.

He said the teaching approach is being used in promoting the understanding of Islam.

"At the same time, we embrace diversity and respect differing opinions in practicing the religion as long as it is based on the Sunni as well as Shafi'i school of thought," he said.

He was commenting on a news portal report on allegations by former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad that JAKIM was forcing people to follow its Islamic version.

Othman said, the existence of JAKIM and Islamic agencies at state and federal level had helped to streamline Islamic education and educate Muslim community to lead a moderate way of life according to the teachings of Islam.

"This will prevent the people from being drawn into terrorism and extremism which clearly contradict the teachings of Islam and the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).