Stop pandering to sectarian views, 'Renaissance Man' told

Summary

• Veteran newsman A Kadir Jasin criticises Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim over the proposed guidelines for Muslims participating in events at non-Muslim places of worship.

• He says there is no way Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Islamic Affairs) Na’im Mokhtar could have made the proposals without the prime minister’s knowledge.

• Kadir also says the proposals would encroach into the affairs of non-Muslims.

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Veteran newsman A Kadir Jasin berated Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim over the proposed guidelines for Muslims participating in events at non-Muslim places of worship.

“Na’im (Mokhtar), being a minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Islamic Affairs), is directly under Anwar.

“He could not have made those proposals without consulting the prime minister.

“He too would not have replied to the Dewan Rakyat query in the manner he did without the approval of the prime minister,” Kadir (above) said on Facebook today.

In a written reply to the Dewan Rakyat on Tuesday, Na’im, who is minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Islamic Affairs), said the government is planning to introduce the new guidelines.

Among others, organisers are to seek permission from religious authorities if the event includes Muslims, and the events must not contain elements that could offend Muslim sensitivities.

READ MORE: KINIGUIDE | Interfaith events: Old rules, new proposal, royal precedents

Following backlash, Na’im said the guidelines were still under review.

Anwar said the cabinet will discuss the guidelines today.

Affecting other religions

Kadir said that while matters of faith (aqidah) are important to Muslims, the proposals encroach on the affairs and freedom of other religions.

The veteran journalist added that such matters should have been presented to the Council of Rulers first as it involves Muslims.

“Logically, a matter as serious as this should have first been presented to the Council of Rulers. Any additional instructions to the Muslims should be with the concurrence of the council.

“And would it not have been better for the proposal to be finalised first by the cabinet before it’s discussed in the Parliament?” he asked.

Kadir also pointed out that based on media reports and social media posts, even rulers and the prime minister regularly and openly participate in events organised by adherents of other religions.

‘I studied in missionary school’

Citing his own experience, Kadir said he was educated at the Saint Michael School in Alor Star, Kedah - a Christian education institution.

For years, Kadir said he heard his Christian friends chanting prayers and singing hymns - with the crucifix displayed above the blackboard in every classroom.

“The teachers were of all races and religions. The school’s spiritual leader was a priest titled Brother Supervisor.

“The majority of the students were Malay boys from the villages. Not a single one of them became kafir! Alhamdulillah,” he added.

In his adulthood, Kadir said he attended many weddings and funerals of other faiths without having his faith compromised.

“Maybe we should all stand down from continuing to mollycoddle the Malay Muslims.

“It’s the responsibility of every Muslim to take care of his or her own aqidah.

“And a good government creates space for the people. A bad one intrudes and interferes,” he added.

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