KUALA LUMPUR: Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil wants all broadcasting stations to discuss with the Islamic Affairs agencies on guidelines for celebrity preachers on their shows.
Fahmi said the ministry will contact the Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim) and Yayasan Dakwah Islamiah Malaysia (Yadim) to assist in evaluating invited religious scholars for a television programme.
While all religious teachers (asatizah) are welcome, he said that when it came to religious matters, there should be some coordination between the two agencies.
"We will be in touch with Jakim and Yadim. I see they need help evaluate the invited asatizah... I will ask all broadcasters to hold discussions with Jakim and Yadim for coordination," he said after launching Mydin Mart Pantai Dalam earlier today.
He said this when asked to comment whether there would be any guidelines on inviting celebrity preachers onto television programmes.
His comment comes in the wake of the removal of preacher Ustaz Don Daniyal Don Biyajid from his hosting duties on Radio Televisyen Malaysia's (RTM) religious-themed programme 'Salam Baitullah' due to controversial statements made during the show.
Fahmi said what was stated by the ustaz during the television programme had been submitted to Jakim for investigation.
"We leave (this to) Jakim to investigate this matter, and they have issued warnings previously.
"The view (given to Ustaz Don) has previously been accepted but due to recent actions, I believe it is appropriate to allow some time before inviting him back (on the show)," he said.
Previously, the Federal Territories Mufti's Office issued a statement saying that Don Daniyal's claims about Prophet Muhammad were not true.
The Mufti's Office urged the public not to make or share statements about the prophet that were not supported by solid proof.
Don Daniyal has been criticised by netizens for "slandering" Prophet Muhammad. The preacher allegedly said that the prophet had proposed to a woman named Ummu Hani three times and that she was his first love.