Na’im said he would abide by the sultan’s views against the proposed guidelines for Muslims attending non-Muslim festivities, funerals or events at non-Muslim places of worship.

He said the Islamic development department (Jakim) is actively collaborating with the national unity ministry to organise dialogue programmes that promote national unity.

Na’im said agencies under his department will cooperate with Islamic religious authorities to intensify efforts to propagate Islamic understanding and strengthen the faith of Muslims.

The proposed guidelines, announced by Na’im on Wednesday, require organisers of the events to obtain approval from relevant authorities, and seek the views of Islamic authorities if the event involved Muslims.

The guidelines forbid speeches or songs containing so-called religious propaganda, or performances that would purportedly “insult Muslims”, while religious symbols of faiths other than Islam could not be displayed.

Yesterday, the Selangor Royal Office said Sultan Sharafuddin did not agree with the proposed guidelines; the sultan was of the view that the Quran and Sunnah already provided the best guidelines for Muslims, who would not easily deviate from their faith or be influenced by external elements.