SEBERANG PERAI, Jan 17 — Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Mujahid Yusof Rawa today called for stern action to be taken against the person who wrote the January 13 circular that said it was “haram” for Muslim students to take part in Ponggal festivities.

He said the Islamic Development Department (Jakim) never used the word “haram” when relaying its “expert opinion” on Muslims participating in the Tamil harvest festival.

“The circular was distorted, he used the word haram, whoever wrote that, strict action must be taken against him instead of throwing the blame back to Jakim,” he said during a press conference in Nibong Tebal after launching an online platform for kafa teachers.

He stressed that Jakim had clearly said it was permissible for Muslim students to take part in Ponggal festivities based on a list of Islamic ethics.

He said Jakim had never banned Muslim students from joining in Ponggal festivities nor used the word “haram” in regard to this.

He also said Jakim had merely given its “expert opinion” to the Education Ministry as the ministry had asked its opinion on Muslim students participating in Ponggal celebration.

“The ministry had asked for our opinion in June, it was to allay the concern of Muslim parents, so we gave our opinion and it was up to them on how they craft the circular,” he said.

https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/202...m-never/1829018