PUTRAJAYA: The Cabinet will discuss the new proposed guidelines for the Muslims attending non-Muslim events or celebrations on Friday (Feb 7), says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The Prime Minister said this when asked about the proposal requiring non-Muslims to seek approval from the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jakim) before hosting events that Muslims may attend, as announced by Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Senator Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar.
The Prime Minister was speaking to the media after the launch of the Implementation of Auditing of Government-linked Companies at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre here on Thursday (Feb 6).
“We will discuss that issue further in the Cabinet meeting tomorrow,” said Anwar briefly.
Earlier, 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.
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In a written reply in Dewan Rakyat on Wednesday (Feb 5), 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.
