PUTRAJAYA: The Religious Affairs Ministry would focus on efforts to strengthen unity of the ‘ummah' (society) in building national development, said minister Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar.

He said this was due to the current situation where there was a rift in society.

“Insya Allah, with prayers by the people and support from all religious agencies, we will ensure that the objectives of Islam can be upheld in the country and we will succeed in uniting the ummah.

“My principle is ‘I seek to understand' and today, with the holding of the first cabinet meeting, I'll see what Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim wants, so that we can set a focus to develop the country together,” he said.

Mohd Naim was met by reporters after scanning the time card recorder in his office yesterday, indicating him starting work as the Minister of Religious Affairs at his office in the Islamic Development Department of Malaysia (Jakim) building in Putrajaya, .

He said he would hold meetings with stakeholders such as government agencies and related bodies, to understand their wishes and aspirations towards empowering the ummah and nation-building.

Also present was Jakim director-general Datuk Hakimah Mohd Yusoff.

Mohd Na'im arrived at the building at 8.31am and scanned the card at 8.33am, before a 'Yasin' reading and 'doa selamat' session were held.