Budget 2024: Allocation for Islamic development should not be politicised - Expert

SHAH ALAM – The Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s allocation of RM 1.9 billion for Islamic development in the Budget 2024, which is an increase of RM 400 million from the previous year, should not be politicised, says expert.

Previously, the Tambun MP said this included the construction of two Islamic educational institutions, namely SM Integrasi Sains Tahfiz in Bukit Jalil and SMK Agama Jempol in Negeri Sembilan, at a cost of RM220 million.

Anwar said a total of RM150 million was also provided to the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM) to maintain and upgrade the infrastructure of Islamic educational institutions, including religious schools and registered pondok and tahfiz institutions.

Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) political analyst Dr Abdul Aziz Azizam said that it was clear and accurate to understand that the allocation for Islamic development falls under the Federal Constitution, and this should be a huge reason not to politicise this matter.

“Secondly, the stated allocation amount is seen as consistent with trends over the past five years. For example, in 2023, it was RM 1.5 billion; in 2022, it was RM 1.4 billion; in 2020, it was RM 1.3 billion; and in 2019, it was RM 1.2 billion.

“The increase in the 2024 budget allocation should also be viewed in the context of the current economic situation, which may require increased spending due to an economy that is not particularly robust,” Aziz said.

Overall, he added that the rise in this year's budget allocation may not be remarkably different from previous years, and this substantial increase can play a crucial role in mitigating the economic challenges of the present situation.

International Islamic University Malaysia associate professor Dr Syaza Shukri, on the other hand, has a different view, claiming that the Madani government should play a vital role in combating the hateful narrative of certain Islamist groups.

“In fact, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has always been consistent in the role of the government on Islamic matters.

“I don’t think the increase in budget is due to insufficiency, but more of an increase with time,” Syaza said.

She added that the concerns of individuals who worry that increased government involvement in Islamic affairs could lead to unintended repercussions.

“I believe it's crucial to strike a balance in budget allocations between Islamic matters and those pertaining to other religions, as the current distribution appears to be unequal,” she added.

Meanwhile, political analyst from Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), Datuk Prof Dr Jayum Anak Jawan said the allocations consisted of approximately 55 per cent Peninsular Malays, with the Peninsular region consisting of 11 states, potentially accounting for as much as 70 per cent of the total Malayan population.

“Therefore, it is not surprising at all that Malays of the Peninsular and the whole of the Malayan states are getting an overwhelming portion of the budget.

“That non-Malays believe they are going to be better treated in Anwar’s term or government is perhaps wishful thinking. They must awaken to the political reality,” Jayum added.

He added that while it's possible for non-Malays to receive a larger share, it necessitates enlarging the pie, and the distribution would still predominantly favour Peninsular Malays and the 11 states within the nation.

When examining the overall allocations for Malaya, Sabah, and Sarawak, he added that it becomes apparent that the situation isn't improving under Anwar Ibrahim compared to the previous nine prime ministers.

“Due to this, Anwar needs to focus more than any prime minister before him to woo Peninsular Malays, as his coalition and the PKR in particular are not getting enough Malay support.

“So if he is focusing more on the Peninsular Malay and Malay-related agencies, that is only to be expected,” he said.

Jayum said that Anwar’s reliance on the support of Peninsular Malays is crucial for maintaining his government and successfully completing his term.

He added that Anwar should ensure the continued viability of the PKR as a multi-racial alternative political party, with particular emphasis on attracting support from other ethnic groups on the peninsula.

“Since the non-Malay are wary of Hadi’s, then this is a minor sacrifice by non-Malays to ensure that Anwar gets the needed Peninsular Malay support to stay in power and, in the process, thwart the thunder under the leadership of Tan Sri Hadi Awang and the green wave,” he said.