Youth and Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin, takes no prisoners. On Twitter, at least.
Using the social media platform, he controversially (his term) stated “Another observation (more controversial): resources used to catch people not fasting should be used to help the poor and needy instead.”
Bold, KJ.
The minister’s comments come in the wake of increased clampdowns on Muslims eating during daylight fasting hours, as well as trading food-related items before 3PM.
During Ramadan, fasting among Muslims is technically law in Malaysia, and punishable via the Sharia courts. In the past, enforcement was not de rigeur; however, in recent years some states have dedicated more resources to hunting down those who are not observing.
The Youth and Sports Minister relayed some of his feelings on the matter over the weekend, and thousands retweeted his thoughts in support.
A follower, using the handle @zurairi, asked the Minister to propose a manifesto to elaborate on the increasing trend of moral policing. KJ responded rather openly that “This is difficult. I will be honest with you. Years of bureaucratisation of religion has created a behemoth. Almost sacrosanct.”
Such openness, honesty, and the use of both “behemoth” and “sacrosanct” in 140 characters is enough to make a follower swoon. Or at the very least, retweet.
He also took aim at the increasing amount of buka puasa (breaking fast) functions that officials are asked to attend, saying that they interfere with the intent of the fasting month: that of quiet reflection.
“It becomes a month of political obligation more than religious reflection. More concerned that we attend functions than appreciate the month.” He went on to tweet that he fulfils these duties, though it “Doesn’t mean I don’t have thoughts about it & how it should be otherwise.”
Enough KJ, we’re blushing now. Keep tweeting and fighting the good fight.
