It is the responsibility of every Muslim to take care of his or her own faith, says veteran newsman Kadir Jasin in regard to the proposed new guideline for Muslims attending non-Muslim festivities and funerals.
“Even the Yang diPertuan Agong, sultans and prime minister attend non-Muslim places of worship and they were not swayed from Islam,” said Kadir on Facebook on Friday (Feb 7).
The ex-adviser to Dr Mahathir Mohamad also called on Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to stop pandering and being overprotective of Malay-Muslim groups on the proposed guidelines.
Kadir said he studied at St Michael’s school in Alor Setar for eight years, listening to Christian friends pray and sing hymns as well as attending church weddings and funerals of Christian friends.
He added that the crucifix used to be displayed above the blackboard of every classroom at his alma mater, which has since been renamed SMK St Michael.
“The teachers were of all races and religions. The school’s spiritual leader was a priest titled ‘Brother Supervisor’. The majority of students were Malay boys from the villages. Not a single one of them converted from Islam!”
He said Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Senator Datuk Seri Na’im Mokhtar should have brought the proposed guidelines to the Cabinet before disclosing them in a written parliamentary reply.
“Logically a matter as serious as this should be first be presented to the Council of Rulers.
“A good government creates space for the people. A bad one intrudes and interferes,” he said.
Under the proposed rules, there can be no speeches or songs with religious “propaganda” or performances that would insult Muslims, while the premises cannot display religious symbols of faith other than Islam.
Organisers would also need to obtain the permission of the relevant authorities, as well as the “views” of Islamic authorities if their event were to involve Muslims.