Nazri explains why umrah system was cancelled

PETALING JAYA: The abrupt cancellation of the Integrated Manasik Monitoring System (Imams) for umrah visa applications had nothing to do with some of the top executives being non-Muslims, said Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz.

The Tourism and Culture Minister said the actual reason behind the cancellation was because the implementation of Imams was “different” from what he was told and what he reported to the Cabinet.

“No, nothing to do with that,” said Nazri in a text message to The Star to a question on whether the system was axed due to the involvement of non-Muslims.

“It is because it is different from what I briefed the Cabinet,” he said.

Nazri, who is currently in Germany for a working visit, said he also did not agree with the fee imposed for the system, which was RM90 instead of RM40 as he had told Parliament during the winding-up of the budget.

“The fee should be RM40, inclusive of insurance and processing. So, I cancelled it,” he said.

Nazri said even if the system was managed by the non-Muslims, the umrah process would not be jeopardised.

“There is no policy against non-Muslims (being in charge),” he said.

In YONG PENG, MCA president Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said the cancellation of Imams should not be turned into a racial issue.

Liow said he believed Nazri made the decision based on facts from his ministry.

“I think Nazri could not agree with the charge and also the fact that they made it compulsory for people to go through the (out- sourced) company,” he said, when met at the Jom Teguh Bersama Carnival at SJK(C) Yong Peng 1 here.

Malaysian Muslim Consumers’ Association (PPIM) lead activist Datuk Nadzim Johan had said a thorough study should have been carried out before the system was implemented.

He said consumers were taken aback when the Imams was announced and cancelling it was the right move.

Travel agencies and Umno leaders have also expressed relief over the cancellation following the public outcry.