COMMENT | It is with profound concern that I note the recent announcement by the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Na’im Mokhtar, introducing new guidelines on Muslim participation in non-Muslim festivities, funerals, and events at non-Muslim houses of worship.

I speak as someone who has immersed myself in Islamic history and values since my days studying at Universiti Malaya (1974-77) and through my subsequent work writing and correcting historical content about Islamic history for our school textbooks.

My engagement with the Holy Quran - especially its verses on personal accountability, intellect, and responsibility - has shaped my strong belief that Islamic teachings are most powerfully upheld through thoughtful conviction rather than stringent external restrictions.