Vibrant atmosphere: Anwar flanked by Sri Maha Mariamman Devasthanam chairman Tan Sri R. Nadarajah (on Anwar’s right) and Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo during his visit to Batu Caves ahead of Thaipusam. — IZZRAFIQ ALIAS/The Star
PETALING JAYA: Muslims in Malaysia generally know the dos and don’ts when attending events at non-Muslim houses of worship, say moderate advocates and rights groups.
Commenting on the decision by the Cabinet that there is no need for the Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim) to issue guidelines for Muslims attending events at non-Muslim houses of worship, G25, a group of moderate advocates, said that it strongly opposes the development of any guidelines, advisory or not.
“They are unnecessary, impractical and counterproductive to national unity.
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“Such guidelines will have implications on non-Muslim houses of worship organising social or cultural activities, risking fanning fears of overreach into non-Muslim religious affairs.
“Malaysians, including Muslims, are fully capable of exercising our own judgement.
“The Federal Constitution guarantees fundamental liberties, including freedom of peaceful assembly under Article 10, which ensures that all Malaysians have the right to participate in lawful gatherings without undue restrictions.
“It is imperative that religious authorities respect these rights rather than seek to curtail them through unnecessary guidelines.
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“Malaysia has laws in place that prohibit proselytisation to Muslims, ensuring that concerns about maintaining faith are legally addressed,” G25 said in a statement issued yesterday.
The Malaysian Islamic Youth Movement (Abim) said it is important to strengthen the pluralistic community of Malaysia.
“The Friendship Group of Inter-Religious Services – spearheaded by Abim – is one of the efforts that has been implemented to foster close ties in the spirit of mutual understanding and respect for each other’s beliefs.
“The Inter-Religious Harmony Committee of the government can serve as a valuable platform for discussions to strike a balance in maintaining harmonious values within society,” said Abim president Ahmad Fahmi Mohd Samsudin.
Tan Hoe Chieow, president of the Malaysian Consultative Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism and Taoism, believes that the decision by the government is intended to maintain Malaysia’s religious harmony.
“That’s a very important decision by the Cabinet,” he added, commending the government’s efforts to promote interfaith harmony while considering the country’s diverse social fabric.
The Malaysia Hindu Sangam said that any policies affecting Malaysia’s multi-religious society must be formulated with inclusivity and national unity in mind.
“It is important for inclusive discussions facilitated through the interfaith harmony committee, which allows for comprehensive dialogues between religious representatives,” it said.
Sisters in Islam executive director Rozana Isa said that such guidelines can be akin to treating Muslims as children who need to be told what to do and what not to do.
“We have been a multicultural and multi-religious country for almost 68 years, and it is an insult to have these guidelines coming out when we have been living with each other for so long.
“These authorities still want to control (citizens) and tell Malaysians what to do and behave as if we lack common sense. “Something must be wrong with our upbringing and education system if this common sense is lost,” said Rozana.
Member of the National Unity Advisory Council Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye said mutual respect and understanding have long been the foundation of Malaysia’s harmony.
“The future of this country lies in all races being together – there’s no alternative,” he said.
“If we reaffirm the principles of the Rukun Negara and maintain mutual respect, there’s no need for laws or conditions,” he added.
