LETTER | Cabinet decision on interfaith guidelines unites nation

LETTER | The Association for Welfare, Community and Dialogue welcomes the cabinet’s decision to dismiss proposals sought to regulate how Muslims participate in non-Muslim festivities and funerals, including their presence at non-Muslim houses of worship, aimed at fostering “social and cultural” harmony and respecting religious sensitivities during cultural events.

It is obvious that such a proposal tends to restrict human freedom to interact and learn from other cultures, besides revealing underlying religious insecurity that is unhealthy in a multi-ethnic and religious society.

One wonders how would a sane non-Muslim intentionally insults a Muslim, when he or she is invited for a cultural or religious event.

Over the decades, the freedom of common people to interact with one another and learn from each other’s culture has made Malaysia a peaceful nation, even though certain politicians have played a divisive role for political gains.

Harmony cannot be built through autocratic control or mere guidelines but through encounters and dialogue, which does not dilute one’s identity.

The cabinet decision is a vital step because it resets the nation towards a moderate political trajectory. This in turn helps unite the nation.

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.

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