Budget 2019: RM1.2 billion allocation proves PH does not neglect Islamic activities, says Mujahid

PUTRAJAYA: The announcement of an RM1.2-billion allocation for Islamic activities next year proves that the Pakatan Harapan (PH) government has not neglected Islamic affairs.
Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Dr Mujahid Yusof (pix) said the increased budget compared to this year's RM1.1 billion shows that Islamic activities has not been neglected in line with its position as the official religion of the country.
"I am grateful to the government for increasing the allocation by RM0.1 billion for Islamic affairs.
"I am also grateful that the government has provided an allocation of RM150 million for various programmes, including building mosques throughout the country," he said in a statement here today.
Mujahid said the allocation included introducing the Khairah Ummah initiative to develop more professionals among the huffaz (people who memorise the Quran) and religious studies modules in braille.
Meanwhile, the increased allocation of RM1.2 billion for Islamic activities announced in Budget 2019 has been described as a 'gift' by the Selangor Islamic Religious Council (MAIS).
Its chairman Datuk Mohammed Khusrin Munawi said the allocation will hopefully be used to develop more programmes to promote Islam among the youths.
He said with the added allocation, the relevant authorities could focus on improving Islamic studies. — Bernama