KUALA LUMPUR – Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil has called on broadcasting firms to consult Islamic affairs agencies to coordinate the invitations of “asatizah” (religious speakers) for their shows.
He said a discussion between the broadcasters with the Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim) and Yayasan Dakwah Islamiah Malaysia (Yadim) was necessary, so the agencies could properly screen the speakers.
“We will be contacting Jakim and Yadim. I see that they must assist in examining invited religious speakers,” he told reporters after the launch of Mydin Mart in Pantai Dalam here today.
“Although we give space to all (to speak in shows), when it comes to religion, there should be coordination with Jakim and Yadim. I ask all broadcasters to discuss with (the agencies) about it.”
Fahmi was responding to a question about independent speaker Ustaz Don Daniyal Don Biyajid, whose service as the host of Radio Televisyen Malaysia’s (RTM) “Salam Baitullah” ended immediately.
After a week off and returning to host the programme, Don sparked ire after allegedly making an expression that looking at a teacher’s face was better than donating 1,000 horses in the path of God.
However, he said it was a misunderstanding as people did not see the whole video of his remarks, which he did not take from a hadith, but instead from a work by Imam An Nawawi Al-Bunyan.
Meanwhile, Fahmi said Jakim is reviewing the issue, and that the agency had already advised the speaker beforehand.
Following the incident, he said it was appropriate to give some time before Don can be invited again to be a speaker. – June 15, 2024