KUALA LUMPUR – Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) has welcomed the Federal Cabinet’s decision to scrap proposed guidelines on Muslims attending events at non-Muslim places of worship, calling it a move that upholds Malaysia’s multiracial harmony.
GRS and Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) Information Chief Datuk Joniston Bangkuai said the decision was “most apt and appropriate” as it reflects the government’s awareness of public sentiment on racial and religious issues.
“Based on media reports, it was only a proposal, and we understand discussions are ongoing. However, in Sabah, we have always embraced our unique spirit of harmony, respect, and mutual understanding among all communities,” he said in a statement today.
Joniston stressed that religious tolerance has long been a defining characteristic of Sabah and Sarawak, and this should be acknowledged at the national level.
He pointed out that while Sabah recognises Islam as the official religion, the state government remains committed to supporting non-Muslim religious bodies.
“For example, this year, the Sabah state government allocated RM70 million for non-Muslim religious bodies—an increase of RM13.25 million from the 2024 allocation of RM56.75 million,” he said.
He also praised Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor’s commitment to fairness and equality, highlighting the state government’s consistent efforts to support all communities, regardless of race or religion.
Joniston noted that Sabah fosters unity through engagement rather than rigid policies. He cited initiatives like the Sabah Tourism Board’s (STB) Harmony Walk/Run, which includes visits to places of worship such as the State Mosque, Sacred Heart Church, the Sikh Gurdwara Temple, and the Peak Nam Tung Buddhist Temple.
“Sabah’s approach has always been about fostering unity through mutual respect rather than structured guidelines. We trust that our multireligious and multiracial society will continue engaging with one another in a way that upholds our shared values,” he said.
Earlier today, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim dismissed the need for such guidelines, saying that 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,” he said during a visit to Batu Caves in conjunction with the upcoming Thaipusam celebrations.
Anwar stressed that the key concern was for Muslims to safeguard their faith while maintaining 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 said.
The government confirmed that advice from the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jakim) would not be formal policy. 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 said in a joint statement.
The decision came after backlash from various quarters, particularly from Sabah and Sarawak, where interfaith interactions are deeply embedded in daily life.
“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),” Borneo-based groups said. – February 7, 2025