On discussions over proposed guidelines for Muslims attending non-Muslim events, Saravanan warned that the unity government risks losing support from both sides if it continues introducing restrictive policies.

“The unity government has always emphasised that matters pertaining to the 3Rs (race, religion and royalty) should be kept low-key, but the minister seems to be seeking political mileage by announcing something which is a mere proposal,” he said in a statement today.

Saravanan said MIC was not politicising the issue, but expressed concern that such guidelines could strain interfaith relations.

“What the minister said is not a rumour or speculation, it is a formal proposal to the existing guidelines. This does not bode well for national unity,” he said.

Following criticism over the yet-to-be-released guidelines, Na’im yesterday urged detractors to refrain from polemicising the matter, saying they were drawn up with noble intentions.

Under the proposed rules, there can be no speeches or songs with religious “propaganda” or performances that would insult Muslims, while the premises cannot display the religious symbols of faiths other than Islam.

Na’im also said organisers would need to obtain the permission of the authorities, as well as the “views” of Islamic experts, if their event were to involve Muslims.

In a separate statement, Gerakan vice-president G Parameswaran said the Islamic development department (Jakim) should provide clear explanations to prevent misunderstanding.

“Anwar (Ibrahim), as the prime minister and a Muslim, must ensure that these guidelines align with Islamic teachings and, at the same time, do not jeopardise the long-established harmony among the different ethnic groups,” he said.