Latest news with #MohdNa'imMokhtar
New York Times
4 hours ago
- General
- New York Times
Gay-Themed Forum Is Canceled in Malaysia
A planned forum on L.G.B.T.Q.-related themes in Malaysia was indefinitely postponed after online attacks by the public and harsh criticism by a government official. It's the latest instance of how the government of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has taken a harder line in an effort to shore up support among the country's Muslim majority. Malaysia's Parliament now includes the conservative Islamist party, Parti Islam SeMalaysia, which is the largest party in the lower house. Its growing influence has increased pressure on the government to adopt more conservative positions, with the party accusing Mr. Anwar's administration of failing to safeguard Islamic values. In the past, Mr. Anwar has expressed a degree of tolerance toward the L.G.B.T.Q. community. 'Muslims and non-Muslims alike, there is a consensus — they do not accept this,' he said in a 2023 interview with CNN, referring to public displays of affection by gay people. 'But do we then go and harass them? That is a different subject. I do not approve of any attempt to harass.' The workshop, titled 'Pride Care: Queer Stories & Sexual Health Awareness' and organized by the youth wing of a small opposition party, was to take place next month. Efforts to publicize the event on social media quickly went viral, prompting hateful comments and death threats by the public. Many posts tagged the Royal Malaysian Police, urging them to investigate the event. On Wednesday, Mohd Na'im Mokhtar, the government's religious affairs minister, described the planned gathering as a promotion of 'deviant culture.' Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
The Sun
7 hours ago
- Politics
- The Sun
Unauthorised Mujamalah visa offerings are haram, against Islamic teachings - Mohd Na'im
MAKKAH: The irresponsible act of certain individuals or agents offering Mujamalah visas without valid authentication is haram (unlawful) from the Shariah perspective and contrary to Islamic teachings, said the Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs), Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar. He stated that deceiving others for personal gain is a clear form of fraud and should not be taken lightly by society, especially by Muslims. 'Any party that attempts to defraud others has committed an act clearly prohibited by religion,' he said at a press conference at the Tabung Haji (TH) Headquarters here today. Yesterday, the acting director of the Bukit Aman Commercial Crime Investigation Department (CCID), Datuk Seri Muhammed Hasbullah Ali, reminded the public to be more cautious when purchasing Hajj pilgrimage packages following Saudi Arabia's move to tighten the issuance of Mujamalah visas to Malaysian citizens. Mohd Na'im said that the offering of Mujamalah visas by unauthorised parties not only violates national laws but also leads to the illegal appropriation of others' rights. 'This is a form of exploitation that takes advantage of some people's desire to perform Hajj or Umrah, ultimately leading them to be defrauded, and this act is oppression and carries a great sin in the eyes of religion,' he said. Therefore, Mohd Na'im advised the public to be more careful and not to be easily swayed by sweet promises from individuals or agents who do not have official authorisation from the authorities. In the same vein, Mohd Na'im said the government welcomed Saudi Arabia's move to tighten controls at all borders and entry points to Masjidil Haram in an effort to curb the entry of individuals without valid Hajj visas. He also reminded Malaysian pilgrims to always adhere to all regulations set by the Saudi Arabian Government, including wearing the Nusuk Card and identity wristbands to ensure the smooth performance of their worship and personal safety throughout their stay in the Holy Land. 'Pilgrims are also reminded not to engage in any activities that could violate local laws, including participating in unauthorised gatherings or recording sensitive content in restricted areas to avoid any action from the Saudi Arabian authorities,' he said. Meanwhile, Mohd Na'im said the last flight carrying Malaysian pilgrims for this season is scheduled to arrive tomorrow (June 1) at 10.20 am local time.
The Sun
7 hours ago
- Politics
- The Sun
Unauthorised Mujamalah visa offerings are haram
MAKKAH: The irresponsible act of certain individuals or agents offering Mujamalah visas without valid authentication is haram (unlawful) from the Shariah perspective and contrary to Islamic teachings, said the Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs), Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar. He stated that deceiving others for personal gain is a clear form of fraud and should not be taken lightly by society, especially by Muslims. 'Any party that attempts to defraud others has committed an act clearly prohibited by religion,' he said at a press conference at the Tabung Haji (TH) Headquarters here today. Yesterday, the acting director of the Bukit Aman Commercial Crime Investigation Department (CCID), Datuk Seri Muhammed Hasbullah Ali, reminded the public to be more cautious when purchasing Hajj pilgrimage packages following Saudi Arabia's move to tighten the issuance of Mujamalah visas to Malaysian citizens. Mohd Na'im said that the offering of Mujamalah visas by unauthorised parties not only violates national laws but also leads to the illegal appropriation of others' rights. 'This is a form of exploitation that takes advantage of some people's desire to perform Hajj or Umrah, ultimately leading them to be defrauded, and this act is oppression and carries a great sin in the eyes of religion,' he said. Therefore, Mohd Na'im advised the public to be more careful and not to be easily swayed by sweet promises from individuals or agents who do not have official authorisation from the authorities. In the same vein, Mohd Na'im said the government welcomed Saudi Arabia's move to tighten controls at all borders and entry points to Masjidil Haram in an effort to curb the entry of individuals without valid Hajj visas. He also reminded Malaysian pilgrims to always adhere to all regulations set by the Saudi Arabian Government, including wearing the Nusuk Card and identity wristbands to ensure the smooth performance of their worship and personal safety throughout their stay in the Holy Land. 'Pilgrims are also reminded not to engage in any activities that could violate local laws, including participating in unauthorised gatherings or recording sensitive content in restricted areas to avoid any action from the Saudi Arabian authorities,' he said. Meanwhile, Mohd Na'im said the last flight carrying Malaysian pilgrims for this season is scheduled to arrive tomorrow (June 1) at 10.20 am local time.
The Star
8 hours ago
- The Star
Religious Affairs Minister says health of haj pilgrim top priority as death of fifth M'sian recorded
MECCA: The Malaysian haj entourage recorded the fifth death of a pilgrim for this season with the death of a 60-year old man from Johor Saturday (May 31) morning (Mecca time). Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar, who arrived in Mecca last night for the haj, announced this, saying that it was due to a heart attack, like the previous four. 'The pilgrim, Misnan Ahmad, passed away at the King Abdul Aziz Hospital at 7.50am on May 31 and was staying at the Diary As-Saad Building. His wife is also here with him, accompanying him for haj. 'Tabung Haji will do the necessary as was done for the earlier four pilgrims who passed away and assist his next-of-kin in their time of bereavement,' said Mohd Na'im. In his first media conference after a briefing from Tabung Haji top management, Mohd Na'im said that Tabung Haji has a reputation to uphold after having been named the best haj managers for three years consecutively. "I am satisfied with the operational management that has been carried out so far. I am also grateful that the majority of Malaysian haj pilgrims are currently in good condition and are pleased with the services provided by Tabung Haji. "Tabung Haji's efficiency in haj management is consistently recognised as a world-class model and often serves as an example to the global Muslim community. "This is proven by the fact that Tabung Haji has received the Labaittom Award from the government of Saudi Arabia for three consecutive years," said Mohd Na'im. (The Saudi Arabian Labbaitom Award is given for the best haj guide service and programme in the Islamic world.) He further called on Malaysian haj pilgrims to not be scammed by false promises of hajj visas. "You have saved up for so many years for haj, do not be swayed by those sweet promises who claim that they can get you haj visas and lose your money," said Mohd Na'im. He lamented that despite many reminders, there were still quite a number who get scammed every year during the haj season and left stranded. Mohd Na'im further called on all Malaysian pilgrims to take care of their health and safety during their pilgrimage as temperatures rise to above 50°C. "The day of Wuquf is now less than five days away. Operational preparations for the Masyair phase have been fully completed to welcome Malaysian haj pilgrims to the holy sites of Arafah, Muzdalifah, and Mina starting Wednesday (June 4), corresponding to 8 Dzulhijjah (Islamic calendar). "We anticipate that the weather during this hajj season could reach up to 50°C, especially during the time of Wuquf on June 5. "The Government of Saudi Arabia has recently recommended implementing a 'lockdown' from 10am to 4pm, advising pilgrims to remain inside their tents in Arafah and Mina to prevent the risk of heatstroke. "Pilgrims are also advised to drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration," said Mohd Na'im. (In 2024, temperatures exceeded 51°C and there were over 1,300 pilgrim fatalities). "I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the Saudi Arabia Government, under the leadership of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, for enhancing stringent controls at all borders and entry points to the Masjid al-Haram to prevent the entry of individuals without valid haj visas. "These measures are essential to safeguard the safety, well-being, and comfort of all haj pilgrims who have entered the Kingdom with proper authorisation," said Mohd Na'im. More than 31,600 Malaysians are expected to perform hajj this year.
The Sun
8 hours ago
- Health
- The Sun
Malaysian Haj pilgrim dies in Makkah from heart attack
MAKKAH: A Haj pilgrim from Johor Bahru, Johor, died at the King Abdul Aziz Hospital here yesterday due to a heart attack. Misnan Ahmad, 60, who was a pilgrim on flight KT46 and residing at the Diary Al Saad residential building here, was confirmed dead at 7.50 am local time. Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar extended his condolences to the deceased's wife, who is also in the Holy Land, and to other family members. 'Lembaga Tabung Haji (TH) will handle the burial arrangements and we expect the funeral to be conducted today,' he said at a press conference at TH Headquarters here today. He added that TH would also hand over the death benefit aid to the next-of-kin and arrange for a 'Badal Haj' (Haj performed on behalf of another) for the deceased during this Haj season. To date, five Malaysian Haj pilgrims have been confirmed to have died in Makkah.
