Speaking to FMT, he said the Pakatan Harapan government would not use such organisations to spread party propaganda.

In Pakatan’s pursuit of its agenda to free the media, he said, it would ensure “a clear separation between party propaganda machinery and mainstream media”.

He also said the government would consider introducing more TV channels.

On Amanah’s part, he added, the party would address the controversy around a shariah law requiring a person to have officially recognised credentials before he could expound on Islamic teachings.

Khalid, who is beginning his third term as Shah Alam MP, was last year found guilty by a shariah court for “teaching Islam” without credentials. He was fined RM2,900, which disqualified him from serving as an MP. But he appealed the decision and the fine was reduced to below RM2,000, the threshshold for disqualification.

Khalid acknowledged the complications Pakatan would face in addressing the issue, noting that shariah laws are enacted by state governments instead of the federal government.

“What Amanah, as part of the federal government, may look at is how we can use government-owned media to get the ball rolling by having TV shows where not only ustads but professionals in various fields, such as engineers and lawyers, talk about their religion.”

He said the idea was to cultivate a culture in which Muslims would be free to discuss and debate on matters regarding their faith.

“Of course, if you want to teach Islam, you’ll need credentials, but talking about Islam is supposed to be compulsory for every Muslim to do.”