KUALA LUMPUR – A government backbencher MP has criticised proposed guidelines for Muslim participation in non-Muslim events and celebrations, which would mandate that organisers seek permission from religious authorities before inviting Muslims.
Bangi MP Syahredzan Johan argued that the guidelines would negatively impact Muslim elected representatives, such as himself, who are often invited to events at non-Muslim places of worship in their constituencies.
“Muslim elected representatives who attend these events are obviously not there for worship, but to carry out our duties and responsibilities to our constituents,” the DAP lawmaker wrote in an Instagram Story.
“Some of the MPs will be seeking a meeting with the Minister (in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Mohd Na’im Mokhtar) to clarify this and provide our input on this matter,” he added.
Syahredzan’s comments were in response to a news report on a parliamentary written reply from Na’im, who confirmed that Putrajaya plans to issue new guidelines for Muslim participation in non-Muslim celebrations and ceremonies.
The Minister said that the guidelines will be finalised during the 126th Meeting of the Muzakarah Committee of the National Council for Islamic Religious Affairs Malaysia (MKI), set to take place from February 25 to 27 this year.
“Another guideline will be issued, namely, ‘Guidelines on the participation of Muslims in celebrations and funeral ceremonies of Non-Muslims, as well as visits and the organisation of events in Non-Muslim houses of worship.’ These guidelines will outline the participation of Muslims in non-Muslim celebrations,” he wrote in his reply, published yesterday.
Among the guidelines highlighted by Na’im are:
i. Speeches or songs that promote or disseminate materials of other religions;
ii. Performances or speeches that insult or mock Muslim beliefs;
iii. Holding events during times when Muslims are engaged in worship, such as during the call to prayer, congregational prayers, sermons, or Friday prayers;
iv. Event locations must not be near mosques, suraus, Muslim cemeteries, or waqf lands;
v. The premises used must not display symbols or attributes of religions other than Islam.
The Minister also stated that organisers must seek permission from the relevant authorities and consult with Islamic religious bodies if the invitation involves Muslim leaders or participants before proceeding with any celebratory event. – February 5, 2025