Thread: Malaysia’s proposed guidelines for Muslims attending non-Muslim events draw brickbats

A set of proposed guidelines aimed at outlining the participation of Muslims in Malaysia at non-Muslim events has sparked furious debate in the country, with critics condemning the move even as a minister warned against politicising the issue.


On Tuesday (Feb 4), Religious Affairs Minister Mohd Na’im Mokhtar in a parliamentary reply said that Malaysia’s Islamic Development Department (JAKIM) was finalising specific guidelines in relation to Muslims attending non-Muslim events or celebrations, among others.

JAKIM is the federal government agency that administers Islamic affairs in Malaysia.


Under the proposed rules, there can be no songs or speeches with religious “propaganda” or performances that may insult Muslims. Organisers of these events would also have to seek the permission from relevant authorities and the views of Islamic agencies when inviting Muslims for events at a non-Muslim house of worship.


Ceremonies involving Muslims must also not be held during the daily Muslim prayer times, including during Friday prayers.


The guidelines also specified that event location must not be close to a surau (prayer hall), mosque, Muslim cemetery or wakaf (endowment) land, and that the premises should not contain non-Islamic religious symbols.


Mohd Na’im was responding to a question by Member of Parliament (MP) for Permatang Pauh Muhammad Fawwaz Mohamad Jan who had asked the Prime Minister to state the government's stance on the celebration of religious festivals on government premises.

Fawwaz, who is from the Islamist party Parti Islam Se-Malaysia (PAS), had raised his concerns about Muslims who needed to keep their faith at such events but at the same time, preserve racial unity in the country.


“These guidelines outline the involvement of Muslims in the celebration of non-Muslims. The involvement of Muslims in any celebration must be not accompanied by acts that can touch on the sensitivities of Muslims,” said Mohd Na’im.


These proposed updates to the existing guidelines regarding Muslim participation in such events are set to be finalised by the end of this month when the National Council for Islamic Religious Affairs meets.


Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim was reported by Malaysiakini as saying on Thursday that the Cabinet meeting on Friday would discuss the issue.

MINISTER FACING CALLS FOR RESIGNATION


Responses to the announcement by Mohd Na’im have been furious and swift, with some quarters calling for his resignation.

The minister had said that the guidelines are advisory in nature and were aimed at fostering "social and cultural" harmony among Malaysia’s multi-religious society.


“Once it is finalised, these guidelines will guide and accelerate the government's efforts to strengthen unity and build an attitude of mutual respect among the people without feeling worried or misunderstood from the perspective of Islam.


“It will ensure that the organisation and involvement of Muslims in these activities will not cause controversy or infringe on religious sensitivities,” he said in a statement on Feb 5.


Tapah MP M Saravanan of the Malaysian Indian Congress said that the guidelines were unnecessary and potentially disruptive to national harmony.


He questioned whether non-Muslims would now need approval from JAKIM before inviting Muslim guests, and whether permission would be required for Muslims to pay their respects at non-Muslim funerals.


“The nation has thrived on unity, and this proposed ruling threatens the harmony we have maintained for decades,” Saravanan was quoted as saying by news portal Malay Mail on Wednesday.

Bangi MP Syahredzan Johan of the Democratic Action Party (DAP) said the yet-to-be-released guidelines would affect Muslim elected representatives who were invited to events at non-Muslim houses of worship.


“Muslim elected representatives who attend these events are obviously not there for worship, but to carry out their duties and responsibilities to our constituents.


“Some of us MPs will be seeking a meeting with the minister to clarify this and provide our input on the matter,” he said in an Instagram post.

Meanwhile, former DAP leader Ronnie Liu had said in a Facebook post that Mohd Na’im failed to understand the nature, realities, and sensitivities of a multiracial society like Malaysia’s.

“Maybe it’s time to send him back to where he belongs before he can create more social havoc. He’s a classic example of someone being promoted to a position simply beyond his ability,” he said.


The Malaysian Hindu Temples and Religious Associations Council said that the current King Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar himself attended events at non-Muslim houses of worship including the Johor state-level Thaipusam celebrations at Hindu temples.


“As we live in a multiracial society under the Madani government, decisions and actions must prioritise the well-being of the people,” its president N Sivakumar was quoted as saying by Malaysiakini.


Meanwhile, Ahmad Farouk Musa - who is the founder of the Islamic Renaissance Front think tank that promotes Muslim intellectual discourse in Malaysia - said that Muslims knew the boundaries of their actions.


“Muslims in this country should be treated as thinking entities that do not need to be coached in every aspect of their lives; and to respect the freedom that was given by God to them,” he was quoted as saying by The Star.

OTHER SIDE OF THE COIN


But among those who have defended the religious affairs minister include PAS Youth chief Afnan Hamimi Taib Azamudden, who said that the guidelines were necessary to safeguard the faith of Muslims and maintain Islam’s position as the religion of the federation.


“Malaysia upholds Islam as the religion of the federation, and decisions on religious matters rest with authoritative bodies such as the National Fatwa Council and Islamic Development Department.


"Who is DAP Youth to dispute this? What right does it have to interfere in Muslim affairs when it holds no authority on the matter?” Afnan was reported as saying by Malaysiakini on Thursday.


Meanwhile, lawyer Zainul Rijal Abu Bakar - who is an adviser to the Malaysian Muslim Lawyers’ Association - told news outlet Free Malaysia Today that there was a growing trend of challenging matters related to Muslims.


“Although the guidelines have yet to be finalised, objections have already been voiced despite limited understanding of the matter.


“What has been drafted is merely a set of guidelines aimed at advising Muslims on how to attend such events while safeguarding their faith, all the while acknowledging Malaysia’s diverse society,” he was quoted as saying.


It was reported last year in December that PAS Youth Vice-Chief Hanif Jamaluddin had taken issue with a Christmas celebration organised by the Housing and Local Government Ministry as it involved Muslim staff members.


Hanif had said then that minister Nga Kor Ming - who is from DAP - should understand that Muslims were prohibited from getting directly involved in celebrations of faiths that went against Islamic teachings.


In 2022, a PAS leader had also said Muslims should steer away from the Bon Odori - a Japanese festival - as it contained rituals that could sway one’s faith.

Malaysia’s proposed ‘guidelines’ for Muslims attending non-Muslim events draw brickbats, but some defend move - CNA

Malaysia reverses controversial move to set guidelines for Muslims attending non-Muslim events

Malaysia’s government has reversed its decision to introduce controversial guidelines for Muslims attending non-Muslim events, with the quick U-turn within three days criticised by some politicians but lauded by other groups.


The issue continues to draw robust reactions in the country, with Selangor's ruler issuing a statement on Saturday (Feb 8) afternoon voicing strong opposition to any move to establish such guidelines, particularly in his state.

Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah said the proposal came at an "inappropriate time" as Malaysians are striving to foster goodwill among different ethnic and religious communities to strengthen national unity.


“The controversy surrounding this issue has caused public unease and could disrupt the harmony that has long existed,” Sultan Sharafuddin added, as quoted by news outlet Malay Mail.


Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim had announced on Friday that the government had dropped the proposed guidelines, which he said were unnecessary and would only cause public anxiety.


“I think there’s no need for such guidelines because Muslims know the rules (of our faith).


“This is the norm. Let’s not complicate things and cause anxiety in our society. This is what the Cabinet decided,” he was quoted as saying by news outlet Free Malaysia Today.

On Tuesday, Religious Affairs Minister Mohd Na’im Mokhtar said in a parliamentary reply that Malaysia’s Islamic Development Department (JAKIM) was finalising specific guidelines in relation to Muslims attending non-Muslim events or celebrations.


JAKIM is the federal government agency that administers Islamic affairs in Malaysia.


Under the proposed rules, among other things, there can be no songs or speeches with religious “propaganda” or performances that may insult Muslims.


Organisers of these events would also have to seek permission from relevant authorities and the views of Islamic agencies when inviting Muslims for events at a non-Muslim house of worship.


The guidelines also specified that event premises should not contain non-Islamic religious symbols.


The minister said that the guidelines are advisory in nature and were aimed at fostering "social and cultural" harmony among Malaysia’s multi-religious society.


But his announcement was slammed by many politicians and religious groups, though some defend the move.


Among other things, critics say the guidelines could threaten Malaysia’s religious harmony, while those in favour say the advisories were necessary to safeguard the faith of Muslims and maintain Islam’s position as the religion of the federation.


Following Friday’s Cabinet meeting, Na'im and National Unity Minister Aaron Ago Dagang issued a statement to say that JAKIM had proposed the guidelines following queries from Muslims on invitations to events organised by non-Muslims which may include religious elements.


"Given that this issue has sparked confusion among Malaysia's multi-racial and multi-religious population, the Cabinet has agreed that JAKIM can issue advice to Muslims on the need to preserve their faith,” the statement added.


"However, this advice does not constitute official policy.”


On Friday, Anwar was asked about the issue when he visited Batu Caves to check on preparations ahead of Thaipusam celebrations next Tuesday.

“Although Islam is the official religion of Malaysia, our country is multiracial and multireligious,” he said.


“If we want to ensure peace and harmony in this country, we must look after everyone.”

REACTIONS TO U-TURN


The government’s turnaround has been lauded by different groups.


Tan Hoe Chieow, president of the Malaysian Consultative Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism and Taoism, believes that the Cabinet decision seeks to maintain Malaysia’s religious harmony.


“That’s a very important decision by the Cabinet,” he added, as quoted by news outlet The Star.


Federation of Chinese Associations Malaysia (Huazong) president TC Goh said the proposed guidelines would have a significant impact on the non-Muslim community.


"Such proposals, especially those involving racial and religious sensitivities, should not be unilaterally announced by departments or agencies, as this risks public uproar," said Goh, as quoted by The Star.


He also urged ministers to base parliamentary responses on approved policies, particularly on sensitive matters, and criticised the practice of announcing policies before Cabinet approval, calling it procedurally inappropriate.


Responding to Anwar’s announcement, civil society group G25, made up of prominent retired Malay civil servants, said that it strongly opposes the development of any guidelines - advisory or not.


“They are unnecessary, impractical and counterproductive to national unity,” the Star quoted it as saying.


“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 judgment.”


Selangor's Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah also voiced strong opposition to any guidelines on Muslims attending non-Muslim celebrations, especially in the state.


However, some politicians on both sides of the aisle have questioned the government’s U-turn.


Akmal Saleh, youth chief of the United Malays National Organisation which is part of the ruling coalition, disagreed with Anwar that the guidelines are unnecessary.


“These guidelines are meant as a reference, not because people are ignorant, but because sometimes we forget, and this serves as a reminder,” he said in a Facebook post.


He added that when it comes to guidelines which apply only to Muslims, there is no need for non-Muslims to be involved.


“Simple as that.”


Similarly, youth chief of opposition party Parti Islam Se-Malaysia (PAS) Afnan Hamimi Taib Azamudden has questioned the government’s flip-flop, saying that it raises concerns over the government’s commitment to upholding the National Fatwa Council’s decisions as well as Islam’s position as the religion of the federation.


“PAS Youth believes that Islam, as the religion of the federation, must be fully respected in all government policies and actions,” he said in a statement, as reported by news platform Malaysiakini.


“We urge that this issue be given serious attention to ensure the sovereignty of Islam is preserved while maintaining national harmony.”

Malaysia reverses controversial move to set guidelines for Muslims attending non-Muslim events - CNA

He added that when it comes to guidelines which apply only to Muslims, there is no need for non-Muslims to be involved.

Likewise, when there are events for Non-Muslims, there is no need for Muslims to be involved.

Yeah - but how many steps down the path before non-Muslim events are banned as being exclusionary/discriminatory against Muslims? Slippery slope.

I have always seen Malaysia as being (except for the fringe states) generally pretty well integrated and tolerant. Always someone wants to fuck that boat over...

Tolerate is more correct. Each group tolerates the other, but mostly live, play, and work segregated.

Originally Posted by nidhogg

Yeah - but how many steps down the path before non-Muslim events are banned as being exclusionary/discriminatory against Muslims? Slippery slope.

I have always seen Malaysia as being (except for the fringe states) generally pretty well integrated and tolerant. Always someone wants to fuck that boat over...

Yes, we wouldn't want these tedious people banning concerts because they disagree with their views now, would we?

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