UMNO reaction to Exco restructuring shows 'outdated mentality' — PAS

There is no point in having even an 'ustaz' to helm the Islamic affairs portfolio in the absence of personal integrity, as has been shown in the zakat abuse saga involving minister in the Prime Minister's Department Jamil Khir Baharom and two other senior officials.
This is the gist of the response from the PAS leadership in reaction to suggestions by a section of UMNO leaders that Selangor Menteri Besar Khalid Ibrahim's recent decision to take over the state's Islamic Affairs portfolio was an insult to the Islamic party.
PAS information chief Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man however attributed such a thinking to UMNO's "outdated mentality".

“The UMNO mentality remains outdated because they are under the impression that Islamic Affairs portfolio must be given to PAS, as if no one else qualifies. Likewise, they think PAS leaders are only qualifed for that post and nothing else,” he said.
On Wednesday, PAS's Sijangkang assemblyman Dr Ahmad Yunus Hairi was appointed to fill the party's quota in the Selangor state Exco left vacant by the party's sacking of Hasan Ali, who held the post of Islamic Affairs, Malay Culture, Infrastructure and Public Amenities. Yunus was however made in charge of a revised portfolio on Malay Culture, Youth and Sports, and Khalid took over a portfolio for Islamic Affairs, Infrastructure and Public Amenities.
Responsiblity
Tuan Ibrahim drew attention to an advice from Prophet Muhammad (upon whom be peace) to a famous companion in Islamic history, Abu Dharr, in which the Prophet laid stress on responsibility in carrying out one's affairs.
“What’s the point of giving a certain position, even to a religious scholar, if zakat funds can be abused such as what has been revealed by the Auditor General?” he asked.
Tuan Ibrahim also said despite taking over the contentious Islamic Affairs portfolio, one which had in the past sparked national controversies, the Selangor MB had publicly acknowledged the need to refer to PAS and religious scholars on matters pertaining to Islam.
This, said Tuan Ibrahim, was an example of responsibility.
Tuan Ibrahim, who is the Pahang PAS commissioner, also praised the support shown by his Selangor counterpart Abdul Rani Osman to Yunus, adding that it was an example of the culture practised by PAS leaders to shy away from high positions.
“In fact, they are always willing to let others more suitable and qualified,” he said, in reference to Rani's earlier statement that there were others more qualified to be appointed as an Exco member from PAS.
Echoing Tuan Ibrahim was PAS deputy president Mohamad Sabu, who said the MB's decision was timely as the various state Islamic departments need to be supervised.
"It is not the case that only religious scholars can do the job, (anyone can) as long as he or she is trustworthy, honest and sincere.
Referring to the zakat abuse case involving Jamil and the scandal-plagued National Feedlot Corporation which was controversially approved by then Agriculture minister Muhyiddin Yasin, Mat Sabu has this to say:
"The fate that befell Jamil and Muhyiddin proves to us the importance of trust and fear of Allah, not who occupies a certain post."
'Islam transcends Islamic departments'
Meanwhile, PAS Central Committee member Khalid Samad, saying UMNO had failed to incite PAS to oppose the MB's restructuring of the state Exco, said it was important that a PAS leader does not indulge in sulking in the event he is not appointed to a post.
"In fact, a person would be relieved that he has not been appointed to a certain post as he regards a post as a heavy responsibility and trust, not a gift," said Khalid.
Khalid added that only those trapped in the misconception that Islam was only about managing state Islamic departments would cry foul over Yunus's new post in charge of Malay Culture, Youth and Sports.
"For such people, Islam has no role to play in youth and sports or in Malay culture. This is what is known as secularism," added Khalid.

-Harakahdaily