KUALA LUMPUR: The Federal Cabinet's recent decision to overturn the Malaysian Islamic Development Department’s (Jakim) guidelines for Muslims attending events at non-Muslim places of worship will hopefully serve as a lesson, says Federation of Chinese Associations Malaysia (Huazong) president Tan Sri T.C Goh.
He said that sensitive proposals should not be presented as government responses in Parliament unless they had been thoroughly discussed and approved by the Cabinet.
ALSO READ: Groups: Jakim guidelines on attending non-Muslim events counterproductive to unity
"Such proposals, especially those involving racial and religious sensitivities, should not be unilaterally announced by departments or agencies, as this risks public uproar," Goh stated.
Goh, also President of the Federation of Chinese Associations Sabah, affirmed Huazong’s support for the Cabinet’s decision, hoping to prevent future instances of "acting first and seeking approval later," which disrupt public harmony.
He urged Cabinet members to base parliamentary responses on approved policies, particularly on sensitive matters.
ALSO READ: ‘Muslims know what to do’
Goh criticized the practice of announcing policies before Cabinet approval, calling it procedurally inappropriate.
Regarding the now-overturned "Guidelines on Muslim Participation in Non-Muslim Celebrations and Funerals," Goh noted the significant impact on the non-Muslim community.
ALSO READ: New rules proposed for Muslims attending non-Muslim events, funerals or houses of worship
He highlighted that requiring event organizers to seek approval and consult Islamic bodies before inviting Muslim leaders was controversial, potentially eroding harmony.
Goh commended Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s attendance at Thaipusam as a model of inclusivity, noting past and present leaders' participation in cultural celebrations.
"This embodies Malaysia’s multicultural characteristic, built on understanding and tolerance. Such inclusivity has always been natural and unforced, without restrictions," he concluded.
