BY: CHRISTOPHER FERNANDEZ

The recent controversy that mired Jakim in a poor light over the writing on Christmas cake greetings goes to show that they have no certain and sure policies which means that they behave like a loose cannon firing blanks in different directions.

While the bakery in Selangor has cleared the air and issued an apology to customers and the Religious Affairs Minister has issued a statement and the matter has been settled amicably, the outrage it sparked is noteworthy.

Sensitive issues should be handled by those with tact, sensitivity, maturity and wisdom and it must be highlighted that this is not a maiden effort in which Jakim had shot itself in the foot prompting many Malaysians to question its aims and objectives.

In Malaysia, Islamic Affairs come under the purview, jurisdiction and custody of the Malay rulers and His Majesty the Yang Di Pertuan Agong and Jakim should be aware not to surp their powers and authority and know their place in the scheme of things.

While Islam is recognised as the official religion of the nation, Malaysia under the Federal Constitution is a secular state and not an Islamic state which means there is freedom of worship for all religions to be practised.

Malaysians must learn to respect each other’s religion for peace and harmony to prevail and to ensure that as a multi racial, multi religious and multi cultural nation there is a bond of unity in our differences and diversity.

-THE MALAYSIA VOICE

** The views expressed on this opinion is of the writer and not the publisher