COMMENT | The creation and role of the Islamic Development Department (Jakim) in Malaysian governance has been a subject of debate, balancing between being seen as a necessary entity for managing Islamic affairs and a force with potentially overreaching powers.

To understand its importance and the criticisms it faces, it is essential to explore the reasons behind its formation, its impact on religious governance, and the controversies that have highlighted its role in Malaysian society.

Centralising Islamic governance

Jakim was established with the primary objective of centralising Islamic governance in Malaysia. Before its formation, Islamic matters were largely...