Jakim said an Islamic agency’s functions include making uniform Islamic laws and administration, Shariah laws, Islamic education nationwide, and ensuring policies and planning in advancing the country when it comes to religion go on smoothly. — Reuters pic

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 16 — The Islamic Development Department of Malaysia (Jakim) has defended its constitutionality today, after it was questioned by veteran Umno statesman Tan Sri Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah earlier this month.

The federal agency said the existence of an Islamic institution is the prerogative of the prime minister under Article 38(3) of the Federal Constitution, where the prime minister can advise the Conference of Rulers.

“Indeed, the government’s wish to implement the development of Islam is not just seen from the desire of leaders, but from the aspect of the Constitution,” it said in its Friday sermon text distributed to mosques nationwide and posted online.

Jakim said this was backed by Article 3(1) that states Islam as the religion of the federation.

It said an Islamic agency’s functions include making uniform Islamic laws and administration, Shariah laws, Islamic education nationwide, and ensuring policies and planning in advancing the country when it comes to religion go on smoothly.

“It is extremely unfair for any party to dispute the constitutionality of Islamic institutions.

“Doing so would be disrespectful towards the monarchy and the Constitution,” it added.

In a recent interview, the Kelantan leader known as Ku Li reportedly said Jakim’s formation under former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad was unconstitutional, and was done in a bid to appear more Islamic than PAS.