MIC wants Anwar to intervene over proposed new rules on non-Muslim events

MIC wants Anwar to intervene over proposed new rules on non-Muslim events

PETALING JAYA: The 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.

In a statement, the party’s deputy president M Saravanan described the move as unnecessary and one that could disrupt harmony.

He also 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.

The proposed directive belittled the efforts of Malaysia’s founding leaders who built the nation on trust, tolerance and goodwill among its diverse communities, he said.

“The nation has thrived on unity and this proposed ruling disrupts the harmony we have maintained for decades.”

DISYORKAN UNTUK ANDA :

Apakah Kerajaan Akan Terus Memanjangkan Isu Titah Adendum Di Mahkamah?

Saravanan also 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 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.”

Earlier today, it was reported that religious affairs minister Na’im Mokhtar had said that new guidelines were in the works to set out clear rules regarding the involvement of Muslims in non-Muslim festivities and funerals.

In a written Dewan Rakyat reply, he said the guidelines would also cover the involvement of Muslims in events at non-Muslim houses of worship.

DISYORKAN UNTUK ANDA :

Muafakat Nasional 2.0 Akan Di Gerakkan Semula Selepas 6 Januari?

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.

Na’im also said 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.