Source :  Internet

'What do you want the Minister to do? Read prayers?' - Dr Maza declines religious affairs portfolio, calls it his last option

Dr Mohd Asri, better known as Dr Maza, is expressing a firm stance on the kind of ministerial role he believes holds actual influence.

SHAH ALAM – If you thought the Religious Affairs Ministry was the ultimate power move, former Perlis Mufti Datuk Dr Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin (a.k.a. Dr Maza) is here to say, "Think again."

Dr Maza just made it brutally clear that he prefers a position like the Home Ministry or Education Ministry, arguing that the Religious Affairs portfolio carries "little real authority."

In a firm statement on the kind of ministerial role that holds actual influence, Dr Maza asserted that the Religious Affairs Ministry was the one role he absolutely did not want in any country.

Why? Because, in his view, the responsibilities are largely ceremonial rather than impactful.

He threw shade by suggesting that if individuals genuinely want to test their abilities, they should aim for serious portfolios like Home Affairs or Education.

Dr Maza saw limited scope for real policymaking within the religious portfolio, questioning its practical purpose with this iconic line:

“What do you want the Religious Affairs Minister to do? Read prayers? Then you go and perform hajj,” he quipped.

He elaborated that the role, as he understood it, revolves around official duties that simply don't translate into meaningful governance.

"Everything that is discussed cannot be translated into anything else other than attending official functions," he said.

Dr Maza sealed the deal by making it clear that he would decline the position, emphasising he had zero interest in the offer and viewed the Religious Affairs Minister role as his last option, a massive political flex you need to see to believe.