Instead, he said, the ministry adopts a programme-based approach to bridge social gaps among Malaysians while celebrating cultural diversity, traditions, festivals, and heritage.

“All programmes and initiatives are implemented based on the three objectives outlined in the National Unity Policy: strengthening unity and national integration based on the Federal Constitution and the Rukun Negara, fostering national identity, and developing Malaysians who appreciate and actively practise unity,” he told the Dewan Rakyat today.

Aaron was responding to Halimah Ali (PN-Kapar), who asked whether the ministry had guidelines for government agencies and departments for navigating activities with religious elements to prevent interethnic tensions.

“Malaysia is a nation rich in diversity, with people of various religions and beliefs. This uniqueness, if nurtured properly, can become a strength in shaping our national identity,” Aaron said.

In December, housing and local government minister Nga Kor Ming was criticised by PAS over a Christmas celebration at his ministry involving some Muslim staff.

PAS Youth said the minister should understand that Muslims were prohibited from being directly involved in celebrations of faiths that went against Islamic teachings.

Halimah’s question also followed the recent controversy over proposed guidelines for Muslims attending non-Muslim festivities, funerals, or events at non-Muslim places of worship.

Selangor ruler Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah and Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim had both dismissed the guidelines as unnecessary.