Govt wants Jakim's role expanded, says Anwar

The federal government wants to expand the role of the Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim) in efforts to enhance the country's dignity and status, says Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

Anwar said he had met with Jakim's leadership recently and wanted them to help draft a national development policy framework based on the Malaysia Madani concept.

"Previously, Jakim's work was to preach, provide training and organise Quran recitation and memorisation competitions with state governments, but Jakim played less of a role in drafting the 12th Malaysia Plan and Madani budget.

"I have instructed that the role of the muftis, scholars or figures in Jakim should be in line with this development so that their input can be beneficial and can raise the dignity and status of the country," he said in a speech at a national recitation and Quran memorisation competition in Butterworth last night.