Religious affairs minister Na’im Mokhtar and national unity minister Aaron Ago Dagang said the proposed guidelines drafted by Jakim had caused ‘confusion’ among Malaysians.

PETALING JAYA:

The government says all of its policies must consider national unity and obtain the Cabinet’s approval, following the controversial proposed guidelines for Muslims attending non-Muslim festivities, funerals or events at non-Muslim places of worship.

National unity minister Aaron Ago Dagang and religious affairs minister Na’im Mokhtar said the Cabinet today discussed the guidelines, particularly the “confusion” that arose over the proposal.

They said the Islamic development department (Jakim) took the initiative to draft the guidelines following queries from Muslims concerning invitations to non-Muslim events with religious elements.

“In view of this matter causing confusion among Malaysians of various races and religions, the Cabinet agreed that Jakim can issue advisories to Muslims on the need to preserve their faith, but that such advisories are not policies.

“The Cabinet also reminds all that every policy formulated must take into consideration the aspect of national unity and obtain the Cabinet’s approval first.

“The national unity ministry will continue to carry out ‘harmony dialogues’ to strengthen harmony and encourage interactions among followers of different religions in this country,” the ministers said in a joint statement.

The Cabinet discussed the guidelines today, after they were met with pushback and warnings of possible religious division.

MIC had called on Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to intervene in the matter, while former Sungai Pelek assemblyman Ronnie Liu called for Na’im to be sacked from the Cabinet.

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.

Earlier today, Sin Chew quoted a source as saying the Cabinet had decided to scrap the proposed guidelines.

Aaron and Na’im said inclusive discussions that took into account the sensitivities of all parties were crucial to building national unity.

“Therefore, all matters closely related to religious harmony will be discussed in detail by the religious harmony committee that we jointly chair,” they said, adding that the panel comprising 24 representatives of various faiths would meet this month.

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All policies must consider unity, get Cabinet greenlight first, says govt

Unity and religious affairs ministers say the Cabinet agreed that Jakim can issue advisories to Muslims on protecting their faith, but that such advisories are not policies.