KOTA KINABALU: Any move to introduce guidelines for interfaith visits would hinder the government's efforts to foster unity among Malaysians, says Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun.
The Finance Minister expressed full support for the Federal Cabinet’s decision to scrap the proposal, describing the guidelines as "unnecessary."
“The Federal Cabinet made the right decision to reject them. Even the Selangor Ruler, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, dismissed the proposal, stating that such rules contradict the government’s unity efforts.
"Although the issue did not originate in Sabah, the mere existence of such guidelines undermines the spirit of bringing people together," he told reporters at the Liberal Democratic Party's Chinese New Year open house on Sunday (Feb 9).
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim recently announced that there was no need for guidelines regulating Muslims visiting non-Muslim places of worship or events, as Muslims are already aware of their religious obligations, particularly in refraining from participating in non-Muslim prayers.
Masidi, who is also the Karanaan assemblyman and a Muslim of Dusun ethnicity, shared his personal experience of living harmoniously in a multi-religious family for decades.
"I have non-Muslim cousins ... should I consult a guideline every time they invite me to celebrate with them? That is impractical. There is no need for such guidelines in Sabah. We have lived together for centuries without them, and issues of faith have never arisen.
"As Muslims, we must have confidence in our own faith. Our religion has already outlined the boundaries for interactions with non-Muslims during their celebrations.
"I do not see the need for such guidelines, as it could send the wrong message ... as if we are facing a major issue. In reality, such directives create unnecessary anxiety and fear, especially in Sabah, where we coexist peacefully," he said.
Masidi stressed that people must trust their own wisdom and rationality in managing themselves when attending celebrations organised by non-Muslims.
"Frankly, I believe we are smarter than some people think. In Sabah, and I am sure in Sarawak as well, we do not need such guidelines.
"We live harmoniously in communities where Muslims and non-Muslims coexist, especially within family settings, despite our different religions and backgrounds.
"These guidelines only create unnecessary distrust among people of different faiths. We do not need them," he said.
