“This change is one which has long been called for and one we hope will be the first of others that will ensure that all races and those of different faiths are given the same consideration when determining school policies.”

G25 was commenting on a statement by education minister Fadhlina Sidek that school canteen operators should open throughout the month of Ramadan even if schools had less than 10% non-Muslim students.

Stressing the importance the government placed on inclusivity and respect, Fadhlina said “those who fast must be polite to those who are not fasting, and those who are not fasting must learn to respect those who are fasting”.

In expressing concern over growing conservatism in the country, G25 also called on Putrajaya to review the dress code at all government departments to curb “little Napoleons” turning away visitors.

“The government should review the instruction on the dress code because it is so subjective that the guard at a government department can turn into a ‘little Napoleon’, especially if he is a die-hard conservative or extremist.”

G25 said this in welcoming health minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa’s directive to government hospitals to not turn away patients due to their attire.

“Malaysia runs the risk that in trying to address local sensitivities about what women wear, we may be overdoing it to the extent of making our own people worry about our future as a progressive Muslim-majority nation,” the group said.

It also noted that entertainment companies were also falling victim to growing conservatism and that Western music groups were now bypassing Kuala Lumpur.

“We believe that in making Malaysia part of the international community, we must learn to live with the different cultures and values around the world so long as they are not a threat to law and order and the security of the country.”

Such understanding of the differences in culture, religion and personal dress styles would go a long way in attracting foreign investment and tourists, the group said.