KUALA LUMPUR – Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has dismissed the need for guidelines on Muslims visiting non-Muslim places of worship or attending their events, saying Malaysians already understand religious boundaries.
“Islam is the religion of the federation, but Malaysia is a multiracial country. If we want peace, we must respect all communities. Today, I attended an Indian community event, not a religious ceremony. Similarly, if TS Nadarajah visits a mosque for a gathering, it is not for Islamic rituals,” he said, during a visit to Batu Caves today in conjunction with the upcoming Thaipusam festivities.
Anwar stressed that the key concern was for Muslims to safeguard their faith while fostering harmony with other communities.
“There is no need for explanations or guidelines. What matters is that Muslims know their faith and boundaries. Engaging with different communities is not an issue,” he added.
“I believe these guidelines are unnecessary because Muslims understand their own religious boundaries. For example, today I did not participate in a religious ceremony, just as (Digital Minister) Gobind (Singh Deo) frequently visits mosques in his constituency without attending religious rituals.
“This is a normal practice and should not be overcomplicated or cause unnecessary public concern. I want to emphasise that this was the Cabinet’s final decision this morning.”
Earlier, the government scrapped proposed guidelines on Muslim participation in non-Muslim events, confirming that advice from the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jakim) would not be formal policy.
In a joint statement, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Mohd Na’im Mokhtar and National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang said the Cabinet rejected the guidelines due to public confusion.
“The Cabinet agreed that Jakim can advise Muslims on safeguarding their faith, but this advice is not policy,” they stated.
The decision followed Cabinet opposition to the proposal, which was criticised for undermining racial and religious harmony. The government stressed that all policies must consider national unity and receive prior approval.
The National Unity Ministry will continue its Dialog Harmoni programme to strengthen interfaith understanding and encourage engagement among religious communities.
“Inclusive discussions that consider all sensitivities are key to national unity. Matters related to interfaith harmony will be further discussed in Interfaith Harmony Committee (JK Harmoni) meetings,” the ministers said.
The committee, comprising representatives from 24 religious groups, including Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, Christianity, Sikhism, Taoism, and Baha’i, will meet this month.
The proposed guidelines sparked backlash over concerns they would disrupt Malaysia’s multiracial harmony. Bangi MP Syahredzan Johan argued that they would affect Muslim lawmakers who frequently attend non-Muslim events as part of their duties.
“Muslim representatives attending these events are there to serve their constituents, not to participate in religious rituals,” the DAP MP said.
Borneo-based groups also criticised the guidelines as restrictive, divisive, and unjust.
“These rules infringe on civil and human rights and disrupt racial harmony. In Sabah and Sarawak, families often have members of different faiths, and communities celebrate together. This is not just our tradition—it is our identity, enshrined in the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63),” they said. – February 7, 2025