Confirmed the cabinet has scrapped the proposed guidelines for Muslims participating in events at non-Muslim places of worship.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has said that there is no need for rules or guidelines dictating how Muslims should conduct themselves at non-Muslim ceremonies held in houses of worship.
He said Muslims already understand and respect religious boundaries.
“As long as we respect each other’s faiths and do not cross boundaries that compromise religious beliefs, there is no issue.
“This has long been the practice in Malaysia, where we live in peace despite our diversity,” Anwar told reporters during his visit to Batu Caves today as part of Thaipusam preparations.
“Like I am right now, I’m here (at Batu Caves) not to participate in any (Hindu) prayers but just to visit,” he told the media.
Anwar also confirmed the cabinet has scrapped the proposed guidelines for Muslims participating in events at non-Muslim places of worship.
In an apparent U-turn, Putrajaya said any policy decision must be made in the interest of national unity and get cabinet approval first.
The Cabinet has agreed that the Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim) provide advice to Muslims on the importance of safeguarding their faith in relation to new proposed guidelines for Muslims attending non-Muslim events or celebrations.
In a statement on Friday (Feb 7), the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Naim Mokhtar and National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang said:
“Considering that this matter has caused confusion among Malaysians of various races, ethnicities, and religions, the Cabinet has agreed that Jakim may provide advice to Muslims on the importance of safeguarding their faith in relation to this issue. However, this advice does not constitute official policy.
“The Cabinet also emphasised that any policy formulated must take national unity into account and receive prior approval from the Cabinet,” read the statement signed off by the two ministers.
The statement further said an inclusive discussion that considers the sensitivities of all parties is crucial in fostering national unity.
“Therefore, all matters closely related to interfaith harmony will be further discussed in the Interfaith Harmony Committee meeting (JK HARMONI), which is co-chaired.
For your information, the first JK HARMONI meeting of 2025 is scheduled to take place this month, where views from all 24 religious representatives—including Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, Christianity, Sikhism, Taoism, and Baha’i—will be heard.