Kepala Batas Amanah Youth chief Abrar Sadiq said Raub MP Chow Yu Hui’s proposal was also irrelevant as there were sufficient mechanisms to protect the interests of non-Muslims, including the national unity ministry.

“There is no need to add another ministerial post which would lead to additional financial implications for the government. And we need to stop giving PAS the opportunity to use such proposals (for political mileage).

“Our nation needs to move forward with a focus on development, the economy, and people’s welfare, not issues that could touch on the sensitivities of our society,” he said in a statement.

Yesterday, Chow said having two religious affairs ministers under the Prime Minister’s Department – one for Muslims and another for non-Muslims – could curb controversies linked to religious issues.

Chow said that the Penang, Perak, and Negeri Sembilan governments have executive councillors in charge of non-Muslim affairs, which could be emulated by Putrajaya.

His suggestion drew brickbats from PAS Youth deputy chief Hafez Sabri, who claimed the proposal contravened the “spirit” of the Federal Constitution and could affect interreligious harmony.

Malaysiakini also quoted the Malaysian Muslim Lawyers Association as saying that the proposal, if implemented, could have “other serious constitutional implications”. However, it did not explain this in detail.