PETALING JAYA: The Cabinet has agreed that the Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim) provide advice to Muslims on the importance of safeguarding their faith in relation to new proposed guidelines for Muslims attending non-Muslim events or celebrations.
In a statement on Friday (Feb 7), the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Naim Mokhtar and National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang said:
“Considering that this matter has caused confusion among Malaysians of various races, ethnicities, and religions, the Cabinet has agreed that Jakim may provide advice to Muslims on the importance of safeguarding their faith in relation to this issue. However, this advice does not constitute official policy.
“The Cabinet also emphasised that any policy formulated must take national unity into account and receive prior approval from the Cabinet,” read the statement signed off by the two ministers.
The statement further said an inclusive discussion that considers the sensitivities of all parties is crucial in fostering national unity.
“Therefore, all matters closely related to interfaith harmony will be further discussed in the Interfaith Harmony Committee meeting (JK HARMONI), which is co-chaired.
For your information, the first JK HARMONI meeting of 2025 is scheduled to take place this month, where views from all 24 religious representatives—including Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, Christianity, Sikhism, Taoism, and Baha’i—will be heard.
In a meeting on Friday, The Cabinet examined the confusion surrounding the proposed guidelines. This issue arose following inquiries from Muslims regarding invitations to events organised by the non-Muslim community, which may involve religious elements.
Malaysia, as a nation rich in diversity, has long been a model of unity and harmony for the world. The Madani government recognises that the country's stability depends on the well-being of its people, who live in a peaceful and harmonious environment, the statement further read.
