Interfaith guidelines needed for national harmony - T'ganu mufti

Summary

• Terengganu mufti Sabri Haron says the proposed interfaith guideline is essential for national harmony.

• He explains that it will instil mutual respect while preventing religious misunderstandings.

• The guideline protects Muslims and non-Muslims, he adds.

The proposed guideline for Muslims attending non-Muslim events is essential to safeguard national harmony, said Terengganu mufti Sabri Haron.

The guideline is meant to instil mutual respect between communities while preventing religious misunderstandings, he told reporters after an event in Kuala Terengganu yesterday.

“This guideline is important because it not only protects Muslims but also includes non-Muslims. This means that all parties will be more careful and respectful of each other’s needs.

“It is good to maintain harmony among all parties, not only Muslims but also non-Muslims so that they are careful and respect each other’s honour,” Sinar Harian quoted him as saying.

Last Friday (Feb 7), Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced the cabinet’s decision that the proposed guideline was 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 on Feb 4, when Na’im said in a parliamentary written response that the government was planning to introduce a new guideline for non-Muslim events with Muslim guests.

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.

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

Guideline will be discussed

The Terengganu mufti called for a comprehensive discussion to ensure acceptance by all parties.

The guideline will be discussed in the upcoming National Council for Islamic Religious Affairs muzakarah committee meeting, Sabri said.

He expressed his personal opinion that the proposed guideline was a good move but he was unsure of the conclusion that the committee would reach on the matter.

“We will see first because it goes through a process and after this discussion, it will be brought to the Council of Rulers for approval, so we will wait for the resolution first,” he said.

The meeting will likely be held in Kuala Lumpur, he added.

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