Guidelines: Akmal disagrees with PM, tells non-Muslims 'simple as that'

Summary

• Umno Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh says not everyone has the same knowledge or understanding on limits when visiting non-Muslim places of worship.

• He compares the issue to road regulations and drunk driving.

• Akmal also tells non-Muslims not to interfere, saying it is “simple as that”.

Umno Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh has disagreed with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s stance that guidelines for Muslims are unnecessary, arguing that not all Muslims are fully aware of the limits when visiting non-Muslim places of worship.

In a social media post, he said these guidelines serve as a reference source.

“Not everyone has the same knowledge or understanding as we do.

“Just like road regulations - many licensed drivers still don’t fully understand the existing laws, and some even drive under the influence of alcohol,” he added.

Therefore, Akmal said these guidelines serve as a reference, not because people don’t know, but because “sometimes we forget, and this serves as a reminder”.

The firebrand politician also told non-Muslims not to meddle in the matter.

“Especially when it comes to guidelines for Muslims, which apply only to Muslims. Non-Muslims don’t need to be involved or interfere. Simple as that,” he added.

Guidelines unnecessary

Yesterday, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said the cabinet has decided that the proposed guidelines are not required.

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Speaking to reporters during his visit to the iconic Batu Caves Hindu temple together with Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo, he said that the guidelines are unnecessary as Muslims know their limits.

“Like now, I attended a function at Batu Caves but I didn’t participate in their religious event. Gobind always visits a mosque in his constituency but he doesn’t participate in religious activities.

“This is normal and there is no need to complicate things until creating unease among the people,” he said.

On Wednesday, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Na’im Mokhtar announced that the government would be introducing new guidelines for events involving Muslims at non-Islamic houses of worship.

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

The announcement sparked an uproar, with some condemning it as a divisive policy and an anathema to unity, while others urged non-Muslims not to polemicise the issue.

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