S'gor ruler disapproves proposed guidelines

Summary

• Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah disapproves of the proposed guidelines for Muslims attending non-Muslim events.

• Calling the measures untimely, he says the proposed guidelines could disrupt national unity and public harmony.

• The ruler emphasises Muslims today know how to discern right from wrong.

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Selangor ruler, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, has expressed disapproval of the proposed guidelines for Muslims attending non-Muslim events.

In a statement released on the Selangor Royal Office’s Facebook page, Sultan Sharafuddin decreed that such guidelines were untimely.

“This is especially true when the people are actively strengthening goodwill among various ethnic and religious communities to reinforce national unity.

“The polemic that has arisen has, to some extent, caused unease among society and will inevitably affect the harmony that has long been established,” the statement read.

Yesterday, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced the cabinet’s decision that the proposed guidelines were unnecessary, as Muslims already understand their religious boundaries.

Anwar’s remarks came just hours after Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Na’im Mokhtar and National Unity Minister Aaron Ago Dagang issued a joint statement clarifying that any policy decision on the matter would require cabinet approval.

This issue arose during a Dewan Rakyat session on Feb 5 when Na’im said the government was planning to introduce new guidelines for Muslims when attending non-Muslim events.

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These included requiring event organisers to seek permission from religious authorities if the event involved Muslims and ensuring that events did not contain elements that could offend Muslim sensitivities.

‘Muslims have the best guide’

Elaborating, Sultan Sharafuddin stressed that Islam, through the Al-Quran, Sunnah and the teachings of the Ahli Sunnah Wal Jamaah followed by Muslims in Malaysia, has always provided the best guidance for generations.

"Therefore, concerns over Muslims deviating from their faith due to such practices should not arise.

“His Highness is confident that Muslims today understand the boundaries of their faith, are not easily influenced, and are wise in discerning right from wrong," the statement added.

While reminding that Malaysia is a multiracial country, the ruler stressed that religious tolerance should not be compromised.

"At the same time, all citizens must respect and acknowledge that Islam is the religion of the federation, as enshrined in the Constitution," the statement reads.

On that note, Sultan Sharafuddin urged all Muslims, especially in Selangor, to continue strengthening their faith by deepening their religious knowledge and obeying Allah's commands.

"When every Muslim attains strong faith and true belief, along with unwavering confidence in Allah, they will not be easily swayed or influenced by external elements.”

Sultan Sharafuddin is expected to attend a Chinese New Year celebration at the Fo Guan Shan Dong Zen Temple in Jenjarom tonight.

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