KUALA LUMPUR: Detractors of the proposed guidelines for Muslims attending non-Muslim events or celebrations must refrain from polemicising the matter, says Na’im Mokhtar, adding that they were drawn up with noble intentions.
The Religious Affairs Minister also said the guidelines are advisory in nature and aimed at fostering "social and cultural" harmony among Malaysia’s multi-religious society.
"The guidelines are meant to spur the government’s efforts to strengthen unity and sow respect among the communities without any fear or misunderstanding from an Islamic perspective," he said.
He further clarified that the guidelines were aimed as a guide as to how Muslims could attend non-Muslim events in a manner that is "orderly, respectful and in adherence to Islamic principles."
"The guidelines will also ensure that the participation of Muslims in such activities does not spark controversy or infringe upon religious sensitivities."
He reiterated the guidelines were still undergoing consultations with the relevant authorities, including state Islamic religious councils, and will be reviewed when the muzakarah committee of the National Council for Islamic Religious Affairs (MKI) meets from Feb 25-27.
The committee’s recommendations will then be presented for consideration at the MKI meeting, which will be chaired by the Sultan of Perak, Sultan Nazrin Shah, he said.
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Earlier on Thursday (Feb 6), Na’im revealed that new guidelines were in the works to set out clear rules regarding the involvement of Muslims in non-Muslim festivities and funerals.
In a written Dewan Rakyat reply, he said the guidelines would also cover the involvement of Muslims in events at non-Muslim houses of worship.
Under the proposed rules, there can be no speeches or songs with religious "propaganda" or performances that would insult Muslims, while the premises cannot display the religious symbols of faiths other than Islam.
Na’im also said organisers would need to obtain the permission of the relevant authorities, as well as the "views" of Islamic authorities, if their event were to involve Muslims.
Critics, including religious groups and MPs, said that such rulings could exacerbate religious divisions in the country.
MIC had urged Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to intervene in the issue, while DAP’s Bangi MP Syahredzan Johan said the guidelines would affect Muslim elected representatives invited to events at non-Muslim houses of worship.- Bernama
