KUALA LUMPUR – Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has expressed his unwavering commitment to citing verses from the Holy Quran and its interpretation in future speeches while engaging with civil servants.
Addressing the recent criticism by several parties following his remarks on “Ashabul Kahfi” (companion of the cave), Anwar pointed out that he will refer to the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jakim) prior to giving out such speeches in a bid to avoid any misunderstanding.
“I will continue to cite other Quranic verses and their interpretations (during my speeches) in future assemblies.
“But I will refer to Jakim first, so there will be no more controversy,” he told civil servants during the Prime Minister’s Department’s monthly assembly in Putrajaya today.
On a separate note, Anwar also directed ministry secretary-generals and heads of department to submit progress reports on each project being implemented on a monthly basis.
He said the directive is the latest measure introduced by the government, beginning this year.
“Often, when department heads and secretary-generals of ministries meet during discussions at cabinet-level committee meetings, they suggest more allocations, adding projects.
“Yes, it is allowed, but there is a new method we want to introduce, which is that there must be a monthly report… (about) what is being done, what is the contribution (by civil servants) to implement the project,” he said.
Anwar said the monthly report must be sent via the director-general and secretary-general and forwarded to the Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Mohd Zuki Ali, for his reference.
He said that the move is to implement a slightly different approach compared to having to wait for an overall annual report on the progress of a project in the past.
Anwar’s response to the “Ashabul Kahfi” remark came after several ulama criticised him for taking it out of context and allegedly reneging on the principles of religion.
He had reportedly cited the story of seven youths in a cave, in a time before Prophet Muhammad, where the youths who possessed strong faith rejected the atrocities of the ruler and stood strong with the religion at the time, Nasrani (Arabic term for Christian).
In addressing the subsequent criticism, Anwar had earlier said his intention was to get Muslims and non-Muslims to appreciate elements in the Holy Quran that respect past religions, including Christianity. – January 8, 2023