Analysis of the Media Statement by the Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs)

Issue: Fatwa by the International Union of Muslim Scholars on the Invasion of Gaza

This media statement was taken from the official Facebook page of Dato' Setia Dr. Naim, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs), in response to a fatwa entitled:

"The Ongoing Invasion of Gaza and the Termination of the Ceasefire", dated 28 Ramadan 1446H / 28 March 2025, issued by the Ijtihad and Fatwa Committee of the International Union of Muslim Scholars.

This fatwa was issued in the context of a worsening humanitarian crisis caused by the Israeli military aggression against Gaza. Read the media stetement below:

Original source

Key Points of the Minister's Statement

From the official statement, several main points can be summarised as follows:

1. Acknowledgement and Seriousness of the Fatwa

• The Minister acknowledges and recognises the importance of this fatwa.
• The fatwa is regarded as a serious document that deserves immediate attention, especially in the context of an urgent humanitarian crisis.

2. Follow-Up Actions

• A Special Meeting of the National Council for Islamic Religious Affairs Malaysia (MKI) will be organised by JAKIM to examine the fatwa comprehensively.
• Instructions have been issued for religious agencies to conduct engagement sessions with scholars and Islamic NGOs to discuss the implications of this fatwa.

3. Focus on Balance

• Emphasis is placed on evaluating the fatwa not only from a religious standpoint but also in terms of national security and public welfare.
• The Minister demonstrates a cautious stance towards any external influence that could jeopardise domestic peace.

4. Commitment to Humanitarian Aid

• The government reaffirms its commitment to continue humanitarian aid for Gaza, including through the Palestinian Humanitarian Fund.
• The Minister also calls upon Muslims to continue supporting, showing solidarity, and praying for the people of Palestine.

Strategic Analysis and Implications (BAZ Perspective)

Although this statement is brief, it carries several important strategic implications:

1. A Signal to the Muslim World

• Malaysia is sending a message that it respects and seriously considers the views of the global Muslim community.
• However, the approach taken is cautious and gradual — not one of blind acceptance without internal review.

2. Balancing Ummah Sentiments and National Policy

• An international fatwa has the potential to create political and social impact within the country.
• Hence, the government's stance must go through official mechanisms such as MKI to ensure control and alignment with national policy.

3. A Signal to Islamic Agencies and NGOs

• Islamic agencies are encouraged to play an active role in coordinating and clarifying the response to this fatwa to the public.
• It is highly likely that official guidelines or follow-up statements will be released after the special MKI meeting is held.

Options Available to the People

We, as citizens, also have a significant role to play. Among the steps that can be taken:

• Monitor the outcome of the MKI meeting: Will the fatwa be accepted, adapted, or partially rejected?

• Demand transparency in the engagement process: The people have the right to know the actual outcome — not just political rhetoric or vague statements.

Conclusion: An Implicit Warning to the Authorities

This statement is not just a matter of policy — it is a test of filtration for both the rulers and religious scholars.

Malaysia, Indonesia, and Brunei will determine their position in the end-times awakening in the Nusantara.

If the government chooses to remain neutral or subtly reject (even under the guise of diplomacy), then:

Be prepared, for Allah will replace them with a new leadership.

Their decision maybe will directly trigger the punishment of As-Sa’ah upon the Nusantara, and the cycle of caliphate will restart swiftly.

Let us wait for the decision of MKI — it is not just an ordinary meeting, but a dividing point between mercy and punishment.