PETALING JAYA: Islamic authorities have been urged to reconsider proposals to update guidelines on Muslims attending non-Muslim events, saying that such rules must be formulated in an inclusive manner, say Muslim and non-Muslim groups.
Lawmakers have also said they will seek a meeting with Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Senator Datuk Dr Mohd Na’im Mokhtar to provide feedback on the policy which could impact the work of elected representatives.
Malaysia Hindu Sangam (MHS) said any policy affecting interfaith interactions must be formulated through inclusive dialogue to ensure it is fair, practical, and does not infringe upon the rights of any religious community.
MHS is concerned about the proposal requiring non-Muslims to seek approval from the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jakim) before hosting events that Muslims may attend.
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“This regulation would lead to situations where non-Muslims might be required to seek approval for solemn occasions such as funerals,” MHS said in a statement.
“Such policies create unnecessary barriers and could erode the goodwill and mutual respect that Malaysians have fostered over the years.
“This proposal has surfaced without proper consultation with relevant stakeholders, including religious organisations and civil society,” it said.
The proposed guidelines were revealed by Mohd Na’im in Parliament yesterday.
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Bangi MP Syahredzan Johan said some MPs will be seeking a meeting with Mohd Na’im to clarify the matter as lawmakers want to also provide their input.
“This will affect Muslim wakil rakyat who are invited to events in non-Muslim places of worship in their capacity as elected representatives,” Syahredzan said in a social media post.
“Muslim wakil rakyat who attend these events are not there to worship, but to carry out our duties and responsibilities to our constituents,” he said.
Islamic Renaissance Front founder and director Datuk Dr Ahmad Farouk Musa said Muslims know the boundaries of their actions.
“Being kind and courteous to fellow non-Muslims is not something frowned upon in the Quran, including wishing congratulations on their religious celebration days,” he said in response to the proposed guidelines.
Dr Ahmad Farouk pointed out that greetings for any celebration, no matter if it is associated with culture or even creed, is mainly an act of goodwill and friendship.
“Muslims in this country should be treated as thinking entities that do not need to be coached in every aspect of their lives; and to respect the freedom that was given by God to them,” he said.
A major interfaith group is worried that an event being planned this month, aimed at nurturing understanding between Malaysians from all creeds, will be impacted by the guidelines.
The event, organised by the Malaysian Consultative Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism and Taoism, involves visiting different houses of worship,
“The purpose is to bring awareness and promote understanding among all Malaysians. With these guidelines, it may be a problem when we visit places of worship,” said council president Tan Hoe Chieow.
