Kuala lumpur: The government's proposal to review the accreditation framework for religious speakers on online platforms and social media is a proactive measure to ensure their credibility, the integrity of Islamic teachings, and the authenticity of religious references in the digital space, which has become the most far-reaching platform for dakwah.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Yayasan Dakwah Islamiah Malaysia (YADIM) chief executive officer Zamri Zainal Abidin stated that, if implemented, the proposal would not be intended to restrict dakwah activities or create unnecessary hurdles for individuals who sincerely wish to share religious knowledge. "Without such a framework, anyone can claim to be an 'ustaz' or 'preacher' on social media without possessing a sound foundation in Islamic knowledge, creating opportunities for the distortion of religious facts and the exploitation of public trust," he said in a statement today.

He further explained that if this situation is allowed to persist, the public, particularly young people who rely on social media for religious guidance, will be increasingly exposed to inaccurate religious messages, ultimately eroding public confidence in religious institutions.

YADIM has expressed full support for the proposal, as announced recently by Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Dr. Zulkifli Hasan. "As the government's dakwah agency under the Prime Minister's Department, YADIM is ready to serve as a strategic partner in realising this initiative," Zamri added. He also noted that YADIM has long adopted this practice, with YADIM-trained preachers, including its Daie Muda, receiving accreditation from the Federal Territories Mufti Department as an added credential.