MIC Urges PM to Intervene in Proposed Guidelines for Non-Muslim Houses of Worship
Disruption of Harmony and Unity
PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian Indian Congress (MIC) has urged Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to intervene in the issue over proposed guidelines requiring event organisers at non-Muslim houses of worship to seek approval from Islamic authorities when inviting Muslim attendees. The party’s deputy president, M Saravanan, described the move as unnecessary and one that could disrupt harmony.
Questioning the Need for Approval
Saravanan asked whether non-Muslims would now be required to seek approval from the Islamic development department (Jakim) before inviting Muslim guests and whether permission would be needed for Muslims to pay their last respects to deceased non-Muslim friends. He also questioned the need for approval from Islamic authorities, saying that it would belittle the efforts of Malaysia’s founding leaders who built the nation on trust, tolerance, and goodwill among its diverse communities.
The Nation’s Harmony at Stake
"The nation has thrived on unity and this proposed ruling disrupts the harmony we have maintained for decades," Saravanan said. He warned that the ruling could become a political liability for the government, potentially alienating non-Muslim support for the unity government. "If the government blames the opposition for using race and religion to divide the people, it must not be seen doing the same," he added.
Call for Consultation and Engagement
Saravanan urged the government to engage with all communities before making decisions affecting racial and religious sensitivities. "The government must ensure that policies affecting both Muslims and non-Muslims are made through proper consultation with all races," he emphasized.
Background on the Proposed Guidelines
Earlier today, it was reported that religious affairs minister Na’im Mokhtar said that new guidelines were in the works to set out clear rules regarding the involvement of Muslims in non-Muslim festivities and funerals. The proposed rules would also cover the involvement of Muslims in events at non-Muslim houses of worship. Under the guidelines, 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 need to obtain the permission of the relevant authorities, as well as the "views" of Islamic authorities, if their event were to involve Muslims.
Conclusion
The proposed guidelines have sparked concerns over the potential disruption of harmony and unity in Malaysia. The MIC urges the government to reconsider the proposal and engage with all communities before making decisions that may affect racial and religious sensitivities.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the proposed guidelines?
The proposed guidelines require event organisers at non-Muslim houses of worship to seek approval from Islamic authorities when inviting Muslim attendees. - Will non-Muslims need to seek approval from Jakim before inviting Muslim guests?
The MIC is questioning the need for approval and whether it would be necessary for Muslims to pay their last respects to deceased non-Muslim friends. - What are the consequences of the proposed guidelines?
The MIC warns that the ruling could become a political liability for the government, potentially alienating non-Muslim support for the unity government.