Jakim imposing its version of Islam, says Dr Mahathir

Former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad says the Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim) wants to compel people to follow their version of Islam. – The Malaysian Insider pic by Seth Akmal, November 20, 2015.The Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim) is trying to impose its own version of Islam on others, former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said today.

"In Islam, there is no compulsion," Dr Mahathir said today when asked if Jakim was policing people's personal lives.

"But Jakim wants to compel everyone to follow its version of Islam."

Recently, several well-known personalities said Jakim was "unconstitutional" since the states already had rulers as heads of religion, and that Putrajaya should not be interfering in religious matters. 

Mohamed Tawfik Ismail, son of former deputy prime minister Tun Dr Ismail Abdul Rahman made the call and was supported by constitutional expert Abdul Aziz Bari.

Dr Mahathir meanwhile said this after launching former law minister Datuk Zaid Ibrahim's new book, "Assalamualaikum", which comprises writings on Islamisation in Malaysia.

Dr Mahathir also said in his speech that Islamisation in Malaysia meant that people were not required to think when it came to religion.

"They (religious authorities) don't want people to think. Just accept what is being taught and have faith," he said.

He added that there was nothing in the Quran that said zakat payments must be made directly through the government and to recipients.

"I have read the Quran, and this was never mentioned. But I pay my zakat through the government because it's easier," he said.

Federal Territories Zakat Council chief Che Mat Che Ali recently said it was "sinful" to pay zakat directly and not through the authorities. – November 20, 2015.