CCM general secretary Jonathan Jesudas said non-Muslims should appreciate the limits that Muslims are subject to under the shariah laws and be sensitive to the religious beliefs of Muslims when they invite them to their festivities and celebrations.

“The clarity provided by MAINJ is much welcomed and would definitely promote greater harmony and interaction among the various religious communities in Malaysia,” he said in a statement.

Last week, MAINJ issued a fatwa prohibiting Muslims from attending and participating in religious rituals of other faiths in the state. The committee said Johor ruler Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar had consented to the fatwa, which came into effect on Feb 2.

Later the same day, the sultan said the fatwa did not conflict with interfaith values of tolerance, unity and understanding as espoused under the “Bangsa Johor” concept. He clarified that it only prohibits Muslims from taking part in other religious rituals but they can still attend festive events of other faiths.

Jesudas said it is amazing how Malaysians of various religious communities in the country join one another in celebrating their religious festivals.

“The open house is definitely a signature practice of Malaysians. At Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Chinese New Year, Deepavali, Christmas, Gawai, Kaamatan and other festivals Malaysians visit one another, enjoy the delicacies and hospitality of their neighbours and friends.

“This is so much a part of life that in our joy we hardly stop and recognise that this is religious harmony and tolerance. It is the cement that holds the Malaysian community together and distinguishes us from the other nations of the world,” he said.