KUALA LUMPUR — Proposed new guidelines for Muslim participation in non-Muslim events are still at discussion stage by the authorities, said Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na’im Mokhtar.
Engagement sessions on the matter regarding events at non-Muslim houses of worship will involve state Islamic religious councils, he said in a statement last night, according to a Bernama report.
The proposed guidelines will also be comprehensively discussed during the 126th Meeting of the National Council for Islamic Religious Affairs (MKI) Muzakarah Committee.
“The decision of the MKI Muzakarah Committee will be presented at the MKI Meeting, chaired by the Sultan of Perak,” Na’im said.
As such, all parties should refrain from “creating misunderstandings or polemics” concerning the guidelines, he added.
The purpose of the guidelines are to ensure that religious activities were “conducted in an orderly manner and contribute to national harmony”, he also said.
The guidelines were revealed in a written parliamentary answer yesterday by Na’im in response to a MP’s question, which made no mention of them being a mere proposal, and that they were already in the stages of being finalised with the authorities mentioned by the minister.
The guidelines would include restrictions on activities like speeches or performances promoting other religions, as well as holding events during times when Muslims are engaged in worship, such as prayer times and Friday sermons.
They also stipulate that non-Muslim events should not take place near mosques, suraus, or Muslim cemeteries.
Additionally, organisers of non-Muslim events must obtain approval from the relevant authorities and consult Islamic religious bodies if the event involves Muslim participants.
Such events must also not contain elements that could offend the sensitivities of Muslims.
The proposed guidelines are meant to allow Muslims to attend celebrations or ceremonies of other religions in a respectful manner while upholding the principles of Islamic faith, Na’im also said.
“It will ensure that the organisation and participation of Muslims in these activities will not spark controversy or touch on the sensitivities of different religious groups.”
Na’im’s statement last night follows immediate criticism on his answers in the written parliamentary reply.
Among the critics were Bangi MP Syahredzan Johan who said it would affect his work as a lawmaker when visiting non-Muslim places in his constituency.
MIC deputy president Datuk Seri M Saravanan questioned the logic, asking if non-Muslims would need permission to invite their Muslim friends to their funerals.
The Malaysian Consultative Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism and Taoism (MCCBCHST) said non-Muslim faiths were never consulted on the matter, also noting that non-Muslim houses of worship will not be able to remove their religious symbols.
Most of all, said those who criticised the guidelines, such restrictions would affect the country’s harmony and have consequences for religious and political understanding, tolerance and acceptance. – February 6, 2025