We, the members of G25, commend the cabinet’s decision to dismiss the proposal to introduce guidelines by religious affairs minister Na’im Mokhtar.
The guidelines had sought to regulate how Muslims participate in non-Muslim festivities and funerals, including their presence at non-Muslim houses of worship. The aim was to foster “social and cultural” harmony and respect religious sensitivities during cultural events.
However, rather than fostering harmony, such directives risked doing the opposite by reinforcing segregation instead of encouraging mutual respect.
Harmony and respect are built on trust, understanding and shared experiences – not on regulations that place unnecessary limitations on interfaith and intercultural interactions.
The withdrawal of these guidelines affirms that coexistence and diversity should be embraced rather than restricted. True social cohesion is nurtured through open engagement and dialogue, not prohibitions.
Many may have begun avoiding inter-religious or intercultural engagements altogether, due to the hassle, scrutiny and fear of violating such guidelines. This would have led to isolation and a reduction in interfaith and intercultural understanding, weakening social bonds.
The fact that these proposals were even suggested gives the perception that our country is becoming increasingly insecure about Islam’s primary position in the nation’s social and political life.
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This is unfounded. Islam is well-established as the religion of the federation, and Malaysian Muslims are fully capable of discerning what is appropriate in accordance with their faith without the need for guidelines. The proposal of such guidelines is an insult to both the intelligence and faith of Muslims as they assume we require constant supervision to uphold our beliefs.
It was also worrying that such guidelines might be perceived as casting aspersions on our non-Muslim communities. It is as if, whenever they invite their Muslim neighbours and friends to their cultural or religious activities, they have the hidden agenda to propagate non-Muslim religions or to impose non-Muslim rituals on Muslims.
If we aspire to be a truly united “Madani” (civil and compassionate)nation of people living in peace and harmony, there must never ever be nurtured, albeit perhaps unintentionally, this irrational feeling of mistrust or suspicion among ourselves.
Moreover, the Federal Constitution guarantees fundamental liberties, including freedom of peaceful assembly under Article 10, which ensures that everyone has the right to participate in lawful gatherings without undue restrictions.
It is imperative that religious authorities respect these rights rather than seek to curtail them through unnecessary guidelines. All in Malaysia, regardless of religion, must be free to engage in social and cultural events without fear of judgement or interference.
Furthermore, regulating activities at non-Muslim houses of worship would have only fuelled fears of government overreach into non-Muslim affairs. Malaysia already has laws in place that prohibit proselytisation to Muslims, ensuring that concerns about maintaining faith are legally addressed. There was never a need for additional bureaucratic hurdles or religious approvals for non-Muslim houses of worship to organise social or cultural events.
From a practical standpoint, enforcing such regulations would have been virtually impossible. Events such as weddings and funerals, which often require urgent arrangements, would have overwhelmed entire departments, leading to inefficiency, delays and unnecessary complications.
While we recognise the cabinet’s decision to dismiss the proposal to introduce guidelines, we want to remind the government that the people do not need official directives to determine how we participate in social and cultural events, as we are fully capable of making our own decisions based on our personal beliefs.
Any attempt to introduce new guidelines, whether advisory or otherwise, will only revive unnecessary controversy, disharmony and public distrust.
Malaysia’s strength lies in its diversity, and we must continue to safeguard it. The minister and the Islamic development department Jakim should always bear in mind that they can make Islam a unifying force in the country by making statements about religion that are constructive for nation building.
The Federal Constitution makes it clear that while Islam is the official religion of the country, Malaysia follows the international principles of law in our justice system.
We hope that the government will continue to encourage open engagement, dialogue and respect among all in Malaysia, as this is the only way to build a truly united and progressive Malaysia Madani. – G25
- Tegakkan maruah serta kualiti kehidupan rakyat
- Galakkan pembangunan saksama, lestari serta tangani krisis alam sekitar
- Raikan kerencaman dan keterangkuman
- Selamatkan demokrasi dan angkatkan keluhuran undang-undang
- Lawan rasuah dan kronisme
