KUALA LUMPUR – There are no threats, coercion or other issues faced by Muslims who attend events organised by non-Muslims, said Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye amid heightened tensions over the now-scrapped proposed guidelines to oversee such activities.
In upholding Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s stance dismissing the necessity of the guidelines, the National Unity Advisory Council member urged for a celebration of religious maturity instead of advancing attempts to undermine it.
“The statement by the prime minister that there is no need for new guidelines for Muslims visiting non-Muslim places of worship or events is most sensible and pertinent,” Lee said in a statement today.
He also slammed minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Mohd Na’im Mokhtar for “unnecessarily” publicising the guidelines without first presenting the proposal to the Cabinet.
“There have been negative responses from many sectors of the population over the announcement by the minister (Na’im) concerning the involvement of Muslims in non-Muslim festivities and funerals.
“It was totally unnecessary for (Na’im) to have raised the matter without first bringing it up in the Cabinet, knowing that this would be a sensitive issue,” Lee chided.
He noted that since Malaysia was formed in 1957 as a multiracial, multicultural and multireligious nation, it has prided itself on celebrating unity in diversity as mutual respect and understanding have long been the foundation of Malaysia’s harmony.
“Over the years, Muslims and non-Muslims have interacted at events similar to those cited by (Na’im), (and yet) not one Muslim has felt uncomfortable or had their religious faith shaken,” Lee said.
He referenced one occasion, to his knowledge, when a group of Muslims attended a non-worship session in a church here and listened to the pastor’s talk on some practices.
“Not one of the (Muslim) participants was confused or felt intimidated,” he said.
“Hundreds of Muslims have gone to schools – some with crosses – run by Christian missionaries. But until today, not one Muslim student has had any (faith) issues. If at all, their faith has been strengthened.
“So please, let’s not look in the dark for a black cat that isn’t there,” he added.
If Malaysians were to reaffirm, abide by and practice the principles of the Rukun Negara, Lee stressed, then there would be no need to introduce any guidelines for Muslims to participate in non-Muslim events.
Lee’s take on the matter, however, is in direct opposition with Umno Youth chief Datuk Muhammad Akmal Saleh’s view, with the latter appearing to disagree with the prime minister’s stance that guidelines for Muslims are unnecessary.
Arguing that not all Muslims are fully aware of certain limitations when visiting non-Muslim places of worship, the Merlimau assemblyman insisted that the guidelines would serve as a source of reference and “reminder” for Muslims.
“Especially when it comes to guidelines for Muslims, which only applies to Muslims, (then) non-Muslims don’t need to be involved or interfere. Simple as that,” Akmal said in a Facebook post.
He also likened the guidelines to road regulations, asserting that many licensed drivers still don’t fully understand existing laws, with some even driving under the influence of alcohol.
Earlier this week, Na’im announced that the government plans to introduce new guidelines for events involving Muslims at non-Islamic houses of worship, among others.
The guidelines include obtaining permission from religious authorities if the event includes Muslims, and the events must not contain elements that could offend Muslim sensitivities.
However, Na’im and National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang in a joint statement yesterday said the Cabinet had decided against implementing the guidelines after they “caused confusion” among Malaysians of different races and religions. – February 9, 2025