New interfaith guidelines will hinder Muslim MPs, Syahredzan says

Summary

• Several MPs are looking to meet the religious affairs minister, Na’im Mokhtar, on the new proposed guidelines for Muslims attending events in non-Islamic houses of worship.

• Bangi MP Syahredzan Johan says the guidelines will affect Muslim lawmakers, who are often invited by constituents to attend events in non-Islamic houses of worship in their capacity as elected representatives.

Several lawmakers are looking to meet Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Na’im Mokhtar on the proposed new guidelines for Muslims attending events in non-Islamic houses of worship.

Bangi MP Syahredzan Johan said in an Instagram story that the guidelines would affect Muslim elected representatives, who are often invited to events in non-Muslim houses of worship.

“Amongst others, this will affect Muslim wakil rakyat who are invited to events in their capacity as elected representatives.

“Muslim wakil rakyat who attend these events are obviously not there for worship, but to carry out our duties and responsibilities to our constituents.

“Some of us MPs will be seeking a meeting with the minister and provide our input on this matter,” Syahredzan said.

In a written parliamentary reply yesterday, Na’im announced that the government would be introducing a new set of guidelines for events involving Muslims taking place in non-Islamic houses of worship.

The guidelines include having to obtain permission from religious authorities if the event includes Muslims, and that the events must not contain elements that could offend Muslim sensitivities.

Muslim sensitivities

Potentially offensive elements include speeches and songs in the form of religious propaganda; religious pamphlets, performances or speeches that mock Islam; holding the event during Muslim prayer times, having it close to a surau, mosque, Muslim cemetery or wakaf (endowment) land; and the premises containing non-Islamic religious symbols.

Na’im said the guidelines will be finalised by the muzakarah committee of the National Council for Islamic Religious Affairs at the end of the month.

The minister was replying to Pokok Sena MP Ahmad Saad Yahaya who asked the Prime Minister’s Department to share the guidelines on non-Islamic religious celebrations to prevent misunderstanding among Malaysians.

Last Friday, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim admonished those who made an issue about different ethnic groups in the country celebrating the festivals of other communities.

He said the country should serve as a model for strong racial unity.

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