Sirajuddin Appointed as Jakim Director-General Today

PUTRAJAYA,— In a significant leadership change, the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jakim) has announced the appointment of Datuk Dr. Sirajuddin Suhaimee as its new director-general. This key leadership role, effective immediately, was confirmed by the Chief Secretary to the Government of Malaysia, Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar. With a distinguished career dedicated to Islamic policy development, halal certification, and community affairs, Sirajuddin’s experience and academic expertise mark a new era for Jakim as it continues its mission to lead Islamic affairs in Malaysia.

Who Is the New Jakim Director-General?

Datuk Dr. Sirajuddin Suhaimee, who takes on the role at the age of 57, brings extensive experience and a deep understanding of Islamic affairs to Jakim. He succeeds Datuk Hakimah Mohd Yusoff, who served as the director-general since March 21, 2022, and was historically the first woman to hold this prestigious role. Under her leadership, Jakim made strides in both domestic Islamic policies and the global recognition of Malaysia’s halal certification system.

Sirajuddin’s Background

Sirajuddin’s academic journey began at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Syariah Law. His foundational knowledge of Islamic law set the stage for a public service career deeply rooted in Islamic values and governance. In a world where technology intersects increasingly with governance, Sirajuddin went on to acquire a master’s degree in Information Technology from Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) and later earned a PhD in Computer Science from the University of South Australia.

This combination of religious scholarship and technical expertise aligns well with the evolving landscape of Islamic affairs in Malaysia. The halal certification industry, which relies on both religious guidance and technological systems to ensure compliance, is a prime example of where Sirajuddin’s unique skill set is expected to bring significant value.

A Career Committed to Islamic Development

Sirajuddin’s public service career began on January 2, 1992, as an assistant director (Dakwah) at the Selangor Islamic Religious Department. Over more than 30 years, he climbed the ranks to hold senior roles within Jakim, which gave him an in-depth perspective on Islamic governance and the halal sector. His most notable positions include:

• Senior Director of Jakim’s Research Division: In this role, Sirajuddin was instrumental in analyzing and developing policies for Islamic affairs, ensuring they aligned with the spiritual needs of the Muslim community while being practically implementable.
• Director of Jakim’s Halal Management Division: Serving as a key figure in Malaysia’s halal certification process, Sirajuddin managed the development and enforcement of halal standards that have earned global recognition. His work here has been critical in maintaining Malaysia’s reputation as a leader in halal food, products, and services.
• First Secretary (Halal) at the Malaysian High Commission in Canberra, Australia: His international experience in Australia provided him with a broader understanding of halal issues from a global perspective, particularly how Malaysia’s standards are perceived and implemented abroad.

Throughout his career, Sirajuddin has demonstrated a strong commitment to enhancing the quality and reach of Malaysia’s Islamic affairs and halal certification, making him a suitable candidate for the top role at Jakim.

Vision for Jakim Under New Leadership

According to Tan Sri Shamsul Azri, the appointment of Sirajuddin as the new director-general aligns with Malaysia’s broader public service reform agenda, which aims to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of Islamic services. Sirajuddin’s diverse experience and background are expected to strengthen Jakim’s role as the primary federal agency for Islamic affairs, ensuring that the department not only meets local community needs but also upholds its global reputation in halal certification and Islamic governance.

One of the primary focuses for Sirajuddin will be to reinforce Malaysia’s position as a global leader in halal certification. Given the growing demand for halal products and services worldwide, the halal industry plays a significant economic role in Malaysia’s economy. The industry has been projected to be worth over $2 trillion globally, and Malaysia continues to be at the forefront of halal standards and certification. With Sirajuddin’s extensive experience in both Islamic law and technology, Jakim is expected to further improve its certification processes, making them more transparent, efficient, and aligned with global standards.

The Malaysian government’s vision to promote Jakim as a benchmark for Islamic affairs, halal management, and religious services is well-supported by Sirajuddin’s comprehensive background in both religious and secular sectors. The seamless integration of religious law, public service policies, and technological systems will be a key focus of his leadership, aimed at bringing Jakim to new heights both domestically and internationally.

Datuk Hakimah Mohd Yusoff

As Sirajuddin steps into his new position, his predecessor, Datuk Hakimah Mohd Yusoff, takes on a different yet significant role as Coordinator of Religious Affairs. Hakimah made history as the first female director-general of Jakim, and her tenure was marked by strides in promoting women’s involvement in Islamic leadership and enhancing Malaysia’s position in global halal affairs.

In her new role as Coordinator of Religious Affairs, Hakimah will oversee the collaboration between three key entities: Jakim, the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE), and the Halal Development Corporation Bhd (HDC). The goal of this collaboration is to promote Malaysia’s halal industry on a global scale, enhancing the country’s trade opportunities and positioning Malaysia as the go-to authority for halal certification and services.

Her transition to this strategic role allows her to continue contributing to the halal sector, ensuring Malaysia’s standards remain competitive and internationally recognized. Hakimah’s leadership and commitment to efficient, globally recognized halal management will be instrumental in supporting Malaysia’s efforts to be a top player in the halal market, which continues to grow rapidly worldwide.

Jakim’s Role in Islamic Affairs

As the leading agency for Islamic affairs in Malaysia, Jakim holds a unique position of influence over religious governance and halal certification. The department’s certification is widely respected and recognized as a benchmark for halal compliance internationally. From food to cosmetics to pharmaceuticals, Jakim’s halal standards are seen as a gold standard, and its certification is sought after by companies seeking to enter the global halal market.

The role of the Jakim director-general is crucial in setting the direction for these standards and ensuring that they meet both Islamic guidelines and the expectations of a global market. With Sirajuddin’s leadership, the department is expected to advance its efforts to streamline halal certification processes, improve transparency, and maintain its position as a leader in Islamic governance and halal industry standards.

The Significance of These Appointments

The appointments of Sirajuddin as Jakim Director-General and Hakimah as Coordinator of Religious Affairs mark a strategic move by the Malaysian government to enhance the efficiency, credibility, and global reach of Malaysia’s Islamic affairs and halal certification. This change in leadership aims to elevate the stature of Islam within the country while reinforcing Malaysia’s role as a leader in halal standards and practices on the international stage.

The new leadership comes at a time when Islamic governance and halal certification are becoming more significant, not just within Malaysia, but across the world. The halal industry has seen substantial growth in recent years, with an estimated value surpassing $2 trillion globally, and Malaysia is striving to maintain its position as a global leader in this market. Sirajuddin’s expertise is expected to propel Jakim’s efforts forward, enhancing its services and solidifying its role as a comprehensive and competitive federal agency for Islamic affairs.

What Lies Ahead for Jakim

Under the guidance of Sirajuddin, Jakim will likely focus on a few key areas: strengthening halal certification processes, enhancing the delivery of Islamic services, and maintaining Malaysia’s leadership in global halal affairs. His background in Islamic law, combined with his understanding of technology and public policy, positions him well to take on these challenges and lead Jakim toward a future where it continues to set the gold standard for Islamic governance and halal certification.

By integrating innovative technology, policy reforms, and religious values, Jakim is expected to uphold its mission of serving the Muslim community in Malaysia and beyond. Sirajuddin’s leadership will be closely watched as the department navigates new challenges and opportunities, ensuring that Malaysia remains a global leader in Islamic affairs and the halal economy.