Perkasa President Ibrahim Ali told FMT that the idea was so each Malay- or Muslim-based political party and NGO could be at the same table as Islamic matters are beyond their political ties and agenda.
Ibrahim, or Tok Him, said the council should be under the purview of the Council of Rulers as the latter is responsible for Islamic affairs.
This suggestion is more practical he said, as MUIN could be used as an idea platform not just to foster relationship between the groups but also as a force in protecting Islam from threats.
“If Perkasa ourselves took the initiative to create MUIN, it won’t work as all political parties and NGOs have their own egos,” he told FMT at Kampung Baru here today.
Yesterday, about 200 representatives from Malay and Muslim political parties, academicians and NGOs gathered in Bangi for an inaugural Ummah Unity Multaqa (gathering) organised by the Malaysian Dakwah Council and Malaysia Islamic Dakwah Foundation (Yadim).
The gathering approved several suggestions to find solutions in improving the ties and relations between Muslim communities, which has become segregated by politics.
Among the suggestions were visits to prominent political leaders and chief ministers from various backgrounds to find a solution for the disunity.
This suggestion was dubbed “idealistic” by Ibrahim as he deemed it was troublesome seeing that all the parties were just trying to get more support and influence for their own benefit.
“Here, all political parties have agendas. The ones in power are using theirs to increase their influence and gather support while those who are not in power will badmouth and criticise them.
“In MUIN, all NGOs who represent Muslims will have representatives. Umno and PAS must have representatives. They will meet once every three or four months to discuss matters and all the results will be brought straight to the Council of Rulers by the MUIN secretariat,” he said.
Ibrahim also suggested that all state Muftis be given the ex-officio rank at MUIN to enhance the council’s role and effectiveness.
“We are detailing the working paper and will present it to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and Council of Rulers after the Hari Raya celebrations,’ he said.