Gopeng MP Tan Kar Hing said the guidelines should consider the spirit and principle of the charter, which outlines basic values, principles and guidelines to preserve unity and harmony.

“If the proposed guidelines were to consider the spirit and principle of the Harmony Charter, then it can be considered,” said Tan at a press conference at the Parliament building today.

The charter was approved by an interfaith committee joined by the national unity ministry and Prime Minister’s Department’s religious affairs unit in August last year, and is set to be presented to the Cabinet soon.

It reportedly includes an outline of what was permissible and should be avoided in strengthening ethnic and religious relations.

Tan feared the guidelines proposed by religious affairs minister Na’im Mokhtar would appear too rigid, causing friction among Malaysia’s diverse communities.

The PKR man joined calls for discussions to be held with representatives of other communities before finalising the rules.

Na’im said yesterday that new guidelines were in the works to set out clear rules regarding the involvement of Muslims in non-Muslim festivities and funerals, as well as events held at non-Muslim houses of worship.

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.

Organisers would also need to obtain the permission of the relevant authorities, as well as the “views” of Islamic authorities, if their event were to involve Muslims.

After drawing criticism, the minister said the guidelines were merely advisory in nature and were drawn up with noble intentions.

He also said it was aimed at ensuring that the participation of Muslims at such events does not spark controversy or infringe on religious sensitivities.