Minister urges caution in statements regarding Islam and Muslims

PUTRAJAYA: Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs), Datuk Mohd Na'im Mokhtar, has reminded all parties, including cabinet members, to be mindful when making statements relating to Islam and the Muslim community.

He said that as Malaysia is a multiracial country, any statements should take into account the sensitivities of its multiracial society to avoid controversy.

"My advice is that we should always be careful with every statement we make.

"This advice applies to me as well—to always be cautious in every statement I express," Na'im said after officiating the 2025 Madani Zikir Programme in conjunction with Federal Territories Day.

Earlier today, Umno's Ulama Council reminded non-Muslim ministers to be more careful when commenting on issues related to Islam and Muslims.

In a statement, the council said such ministers should exercise caution to avoid negative perceptions that could be manipulated by certain parties to provoke religious sensitivities.

The council highlighted two concerns, namely, the sale of pre-packed chicken ham and cheese sandwiches on Universiti Malaya's campus, allegedly bearing a misused halal logo, and the availability of alcohol in predominantly Muslim areas in Ipoh.

Both controversies put the Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming under the spotlight, despite him not being explicitly mentioned in the statement.

Previously, Nga criticised certain groups for overreacting to the sandwich issue, explaining that "ham" simply refers to cured meat.

He also urged local authorities to uphold current regulations on liquor and alcoholic beverage sales following the Ipoh City Council's proposal to extend the ban in Malay-Muslim majority areas.

At present, the sale of liquor and alcoholic beverages is prohibited in Manjoi.