Cabinet rejects Na’im’s ‘ridiculous’ proposed racial and religious guidelines

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26,620 views 31 Jan 2025)

Anwar Ibrahim is an impressive figure. A compelling speaker, media-savvy, and admired by just about everyone—from The New York Times to the Council on Foreign Relations to people like Mehdi Hasan, as he charms everyone everywhere. Despite basking in the global spotlight, despite being celebrated on the world stage, despite presenting himself as a hero for Muslims and as the rightful leader of Malaysia, it's easy to see that something is off the moment you look closely enough... Why is it that his own people don’t seem to love him the same way? Anyone who has seen Anwar Ibrahim knows he can talk. That much is obvious. But whether he actually follows through on his words is a different question. It’s one thing to say all the right things. It’s another to say them and then not act on them - to rely on others to do the work but never quite succeed in leading them to do what needs to be done. That is the problem with Anwar Ibrahim, the Prime Minister of Malaysia, who is revered for his ability to speak, but maybe a little less for his ability to actually take concrete action on matters of race and religion as parties like PAS run riot, and intercommunal tensions come to the fore with no resolution or comment from the country's highest leader. Add to that the fact that the average person seems to care more about Anwar being the Prime Minister of Palestine than the Prime Minister of Malaysia... Not because the Palestinian cause isn’t important, but because he doesn’t seem to be paying attention to what’s happening at home - and what you get is a growing mix of frustration, disillusionment, and even outright resentment from the average Malaysian. The people who voted for him don’t feel protected or helped by him regardless of his high-handed words - and those who didn’t have hijacked the narrative,using extremist rhetoric, manipulating religious sentiment, and turning his role as Prime Minister into something else entirely as they openly mock him but he never responds - but how much can a man avoid polemics, say, and not look weak? Not very much more, it appears. So where does all of this lead? It’s hard to say. But one thing is certain. There was a time when Malaysians looked at Anwar Ibrahim with hope. Maybe they still can. But if hope is to be found, it won’t be found in the status quo - it will have to be found in a stronger Anwar... Or someone who can play that role.)

Cabinet rejects Na’im’s ‘ridiculous’ proposed racial and religious guidelines

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 7, 2025: The Cabinet today rejected and scrapped the contentious guidelines on non-Muslim events.

The guidelines were proposed by the pea-brain Religious Affairs Minister Na’im Mokhtar from the racial and religious bigoted Umno.

So, what now “Mr Big Shot Minister”? The least for you to do is to resign with some dinity for causing racial and religious discord and threatening national unity and harmony.

No News Is Bad News reproduces below a news report on the Cabinet decision:

Guidelines for Muslims, non-Muslims unnecessary, says Anwar 

Rex Tan

-07 Feb 2025, 04:58 PM

The prime minister says such guidelines would only cause anxiety.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim says he will present the Cabinet’s decision to Sultan Nazrin Shah of Perak, who chairs the national council of Islamic religious affairs.

GOMBAK: Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim says controversial guidelines that would set clear rules regarding the involvement of Muslims in non-Muslim festivities and funerals are unnecessary.

Anwar said such guidelines would only cause anxiety.

“I think there’s no need for such guidelines because Muslims know the rules (of our faith).

“This is the norm. Let’s not complicate things and cause anxiety in our society. This is what the Cabinet decided,” he told reporters after attending an event in Batu Caves today.

Citing digital minister Gobind Singh Deo and his presence at the event, Anwar said it is common for politicians to visit houses of worship.

“Gobind often visits mosques in his parliamentary area but he does not participate in their religious ceremonies,” he said.

Anwar said there is a need to look out for the interests of every racial and religious group to ensure the nation remains peaceful.

“Although Islam is the official religion of Malaysia, our country is multiracial and multireligious,” he said.

Anwar also said he would present the Cabinet’s decision to Sultan Nazrin Shah of Perak, who chairs the national council of Islamic religious affairs.

On Wednesday, religious affairs minister Na’im Mokhtar said new interfaith guidelines were in the works.

Na’im said there can be no speeches or songs with religious “propaganda” or performances that would insult Muslims, while the premises cannot display the religious symbols of faiths other than Islam.

Under the guidelines, which detractors, including religious groups and MPs, say could create division in the country, organisers would need to obtain the permission of the relevant authorities, as well as the “views” of Islamic authorities, if their event were to involve Muslims.

Cabinet scraps contentious guidelines on non-Muslim events

FMT Reporters

-07 Feb 2025, 01:10 PM

According to Sin Chew, the Cabinet had opposed the idea of implementing the guidelines for Muslims attending non-Muslim festivities, funerals, or events.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim chaired a Cabinet meeting today, which he previously said would discuss the controversial guidelines. (Bernama pic)

PETALING JAYA: The Cabinet has decided to scrap the proposed guidelines for Muslims attending non-Muslim festivities, funerals, or events held at non-Muslim places of worship.

Sin Chew quoted a source as saying the Cabinet had opposed the idea of implementing the contentious guidelines.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim had said the Cabinet would discuss the guidelines when it meets today.

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 the religious symbols of faiths 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.

The guidelines were met with pushback from various quarters, from MPs, rights groups as well as a Sarawak deputy minister.

They had warned that such rulings could lead to religious divisions.

MIC had called on Anwar to intervene in the matter, while former Sungai Pelek assemblyman Ronnie Liu called for religious affairs minister Na’im Mokhtar to be sacked from the Cabinet over the issue.

All policies must consider unity, get Cabinet greenlight first, says govt

FMT Reporters

-07 Feb 2025, 01:10 PM

Unity and religious affairs ministers say the Cabinet agreed that Jakim can issue advisories to Muslims on protecting their faith, but that such advisories are not policies.

Religious affairs minister Na’im Mokhtar and national unity minister Aaron Ago Dagang said the proposed guidelines drafted by Jakim had caused ‘confusion’ among Malaysians.

PETALING JAYA: The government says all of its policies must consider national unity and obtain the Cabinet’s approval, following the controversial proposed guidelines for Muslims attending non-Muslim festivities, funerals or events at non-Muslim places of worship.

National unity minister Aaron Ago Dagang and religious affairs minister Na’im Mokhtar said the Cabinet today discussed the guidelines, particularly the “confusion” that arose over the proposal.

They said the Islamic development department (Jakim) took the initiative to draft the guidelines following queries from Muslims concerning invitations to non-Muslim events with religious elements.

“In view of this matter causing confusion among Malaysians of various races and religions, the Cabinet agreed that Jakim can issue advisories to Muslims on the need to preserve their faith, but that such advisories are not policies.

“The Cabinet also reminds all that every policy formulated must take into consideration the aspect of national unity and obtain the Cabinet’s approval first.

“The national unity ministry will continue to carry out ‘harmony dialogues’ to strengthen harmony and encourage interactions among followers of different religions in this country,” the ministers said in a joint statement.

The Cabinet discussed the guidelines today, after they were met with pushback and warnings of possible religious division.

MIC had called on Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to intervene in the matter, while former Sungai Pelek assemblyman Ronnie Liu called for Na’im to be sacked from the Cabinet.

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 the religious symbols of faiths 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.

Earlier today, Sin Chew quoted a source as saying the Cabinet had decided to scrap the proposed guidelines.

Aaron and Na’im said inclusive discussions that took into account the sensitivities of all parties were crucial to building national unity.

“Therefore, all matters closely related to religious harmony will be discussed in detail by the religious harmony committee that we jointly chair,” they said, adding that the panel comprising 24 representatives of various faiths would meet this month.

No News Is Bad News reproduces below our previous postings on the issue:

Thursday, 6 February 2025

Na’im, who are you trying to kid?

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So, Mr “big shot” minister Na’im, what are you going to do about this? Absolutely nothing, right? So, please, at least, use your pea brain! - Social media (WhatsApp) image

Na’im, who are you trying to kid?

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 6, 2025: Religious Affairs Minister Na’im Mokhtar has called on detractors of the proposed guidelines for Muslims attending non-Muslim events or celebrations to refrain from polemicising the matter, saying they were drawn up with noble intentions.

Noble intentions?

This is what you call noble: 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 the religious symbols of faiths other than Islam.

Just who are you trying to kid, you pea brain!

Former Selangor lawmaker and DAP leader Ronnie Liu is right in calling for the removal of Na’im as a minister as “it is not the first time that Na’im had sparked a brouhaha over religious matters”.

Liu cited the outcry over a proposal in September to make halal certification mandatory for food companies that do not serve pork or alcohol.

He also referred to the Mufti (Federal Territories) Bill 2024, which was opposed by civil society groups and Perlis mufti Asri Zainul Abidin.

And, what has happened to the the charter approved by an interfaith committee joined by the national unity ministry and Prime Minister’s Department’s religious affairs unit in August and is set to be presented to the Cabinet soon?

Nai'im's proposal means Muslims cannot attend such cultural and religious events, many are help in the public. So, how to control the Muslims who come to view the festivities and take pix?

No News Is Bad News reproduces below news reports on the controversial religious issue raised by the racial and religious bigoted minister Na'im:

Don’t polemicise guidelines for Muslims attending celebrations, says minister

FMT Reporters

-05 Feb 2025, 11:09 PM

Na’im Mokhtar says the guidelines were aimed at fostering ‘social and cultural’ harmony among Malaysia’s multi-religious society.

 

Religious affairs minister Na’im Mokhtar said the proposed guidelines were advisory in nature. (Bernama pic)

PETALING JAYA: Religious affairs minister Na’im Mokhtar has called on detractors of the proposed guidelines for Muslims attending non-Muslim events or celebrations to refrain from polemicising the matter, saying they were drawn up with noble intentions.

In a statement, Na’im also said the guidelines were advisory in nature and aimed at fostering “social and cultural” harmony among Malaysia’s multi-religious society.

“The guidelines are meant to spur the government’s efforts to strengthen unity and sow respect among the communities without any fear or misunderstanding from an Islamic perspective,” he said.

He further clarified that the guidelines were aimed as a guide as to how Muslims could attend non-Muslim events in a manner that is “orderly, respectful and in adherence to Islamic principles”.

“The guidelines will also ensure that the participation of Muslims in such activities does not spark controversy or infringe upon religious sensitivities.”

He reiterated the guidelines were still undergoing consultations with the relevant authorities, including state Islamic religious councils, and will be reviewed when the muzakarah committee of the National Council for Islamic Religious Affairs (MKI) meets from Feb 25-27.

The committee’s recommendations will then be presented for consideration at the MKI meeting, which will be chaired by the Sultan of Perak, Sultan Nazrin Shah, he said.

Earlier today, Na’im revealed that new guidelines were in the works to set out clear rules regarding the involvement of Muslims in non-Muslim festivities and funerals.

In a written Dewan Rakyat reply, he said the guidelines would also cover the involvement of Muslims in events at non-Muslim houses of worship.

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 the religious symbols of faiths other than Islam.

Na’im also said organisers would need to obtain the permission of the relevant authorities, as well as the “views” of Islamic authorities, if their event were to involve Muslims.

Critics, including religious groups and MPs, warned that such rulings could lead to religious divisions in the country.

MIC had called on Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to intervene, while DAP’s Bangi MP Syahredzan Johan argued that the guidelines would impact Muslim elected representatives attending events at non-Muslim places of worship.

Refer to Harmony Charter for non-Muslim event guide, says MP

Pan Eu Joe

-06 Feb 2025, 03:10 PM

Tan Kar Hing joins calls for discussions to be held with representatives of other communities before finalising the guidelines.

 

The proposed guidelines aim to set out clear rules regarding the involvement of Muslims in non-Muslim festivities and funerals, as well as events held at non-Muslim houses of worship.

KUALA LUMPUR: A backbencher has suggested that the government consider its Harmony Charter in drafting guidelines for Muslims attending non-Muslim events or celebrations.

Gopeng MP Tan Kar Hing said the guidelines should consider the spirit and principle of the charter, which outlines basic values, principles and guidelines to preserve unity and harmony.

“If the proposed guidelines were to consider the spirit and principle of the Harmony Charter, then it can be considered,” said Tan at a press conference at the Parliament building today.

The charter was approved by an interfaith committee joined by the national unity ministry and Prime Minister’s Department’s religious affairs unit in August last year, and is set to be presented to the Cabinet soon.

It reportedly includes an outline of what was permissible and should be avoided in strengthening ethnic and religious relations.

Tan feared the guidelines proposed by religious affairs minister Na’im Mokhtar would appear too rigid, causing friction among Malaysia’s diverse communities.

The PKR man joined calls for discussions to be held with representatives of other communities before finalising the rules.

Na’im said yesterday that new guidelines were in the works to set out clear rules regarding the involvement of Muslims in non-Muslim festivities and funerals, as well as events held at non-Muslim houses of worship.

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 the religious symbols of faiths 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.

After drawing criticism, the minister said the guidelines were merely advisory in nature and were drawn up with noble intentions.

He also said it was aimed at ensuring that the participation of Muslims at such events does not spark controversy or infringe on religious sensitivities.

Stop mollycoddling Malay-Muslims, says Kadir Jasin

FMT Reporters

-07 Feb 2025, 11:51 AM

The ex-adviser to Dr Mahathir Mohamad says it’s the responsibility of every Muslim to nurture their own faith.

 Veteran newsman A Kadir Jasin said the proposed guidelines should have been discussed by the Cabinet before being disclosed in a written parliamentary reply.

PETALING JAYA: Veteran newsman A Kadir Jasin says everyone should stop being overprotective of Malay-Muslims, following the uproar over the proposed guidelines for Muslims attending non-Muslim festivities.

In ridiculing the proposed advisory for Muslims, he said even the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, sultans, and prime minister regularly attended events organised by non-Muslim places of worship but were not swayed from Islam.

“Maybe we should all stand down from continuing to mollycoddle the Malay-Muslims. It’s the responsibility of every Muslim to take care of his or her own aqidah (faith).

“A good government creates space for the people. A bad one intrudes and interferes,” he said in a Facebook post.

Kadir also said that he had studied at St Michael’s School in Alor Setar, Kedah, for eight years, where he listened to his Christian friends pray and sing hymns.

The former communications adviser to Dr Mahathir Mohamad added that the crucifix used to be displayed above the blackboard of every classroom at his alma mater, which has since been renamed as 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!

“I attended the church weddings and funerals of my Christian friends, I paid last respects to my non-Muslim friends at their homes and funeral parlours.

“As a student in New Zealand, I stayed at the home of an Anglican priest for two weeks. If those were sins, I seek forgiveness from Allah,” he added.

Kadir said the proposed guidelines should have been discussed by the Cabinet before being disclosed by religious affairs minister Na’im Mokhtar in a written parliamentary reply.

He also urged Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to live up to his “Renaissance man” moniker and resolve the issue instead of “pandering to sectarian demands”.

The proposed guidelines will be discussed by the Cabinet today.

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 the religious symbols of faiths 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.

Francis Paul Siah

SUPP's Sebastian Ting speaks up for many Sarawakians on this issue. The SUPP secretary-general is right. I agree that the proposed guidelines are "unnecessary and over-bearing" and Sarawak can do without them. - fs

 

Press Statement of YB Datuk Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew 

Secretary General, Sarawak United People's Party (SUPP).

SUPP: We don’t need such religious guidelines in Sarawak

SUPP wishes to respond to the announcement by the Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs), Datuk Na'im Mokhtar, in Parliament on Wednesday (5 Feb, 2025) that the government would be introducing a new set of guidelines for events involving Muslims taking place in non-Islamic houses of worship.

The guidelines include having to obtain permission from religious authorities if the event includes Muslims, and that the events must not contain elements that could offend Muslim sensitivities.

We have perused through the minister’s written parliamentary reply and wish to state our stand on the matter.

Although we fully understand and respect the minister’s proposal for the guidelines, paramount in our stand is that there is no official religion in Sarawak and hence, that “secular Sarawak” enshrinement in Sarawak Constitution and also the Malaysia Agreement (MA63) must be taken into cognizance when proposing guidelines bordering on any religion, including Islam.

We wish to stress that Sarawak is often praised as a model of religious acceptance and harmony, where people of different faiths - Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism and various indigenous beliefs - coexist peacefully.

Sarawak’s multi-cultural and multi-religious society embraces mutual respect, often celebrating each other's festivals and traditions together. This unity is deeply rooted in Sarawak’s culture, where interfaith marriages, mixed-ethnic communities, and a strong sense of togetherness are common.

SUPP also credits the Sarawak GPS Government, of which we are proud to be a partner, for playing a vital role in ensuring religious freedom and interfaith understanding, making Sarawak a shining example of unity in diversity.

In that regard, we find the proposed guidelines “unnecessary and over-bearing” and earnestly believe that we do not need them in Sarawak.

SUPP is of the opinion that over-regulating religious practices and being overly cautious about religious sensitivities - especially when such issues are not actual concerns for the people - can create unnecessary divisions.

Sarawak, as a prime example, thrives on organic religious harmony because its people practice mutual respect without excessive interference.

Imposing rigid guidelines may lead to misunderstandings, suspicion and even resentment among communities that have long lived together peacefully. Instead of fostering unity, it could create an artificial sense of separation where none existed before.

A better approach would be to encourage open dialogue, mutual understanding, and education on religious diversity while allowing people to maintain their traditions freely.

In Malaysia as a whole, a balance must be struck between respecting religious beliefs and ensuring that policies do not unintentionally breed intolerance.

Sarawak proves that trust and natural co-existence work better than excessive control.

Datuk Sebastian Ting

SUPP Secretary-General

Kuching

6 Feb, 2025

Guidelines on Muslim participation in non-Muslim events hinder mutual respect

Some of the provisions in the guidelines issued by the religious affairs minister might create a sense of separation rather than inclusivity.

Prematilaka KD Serisena

February 6, 2025 9:26 AM

We refer to the proposed guidelines outlined by Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Mohd Na’im Mokhtar, regarding the participation of Muslim individuals in non-Muslim celebrations and ceremonies.

 

As a leader of a non-Muslim organisation, we understand the wish of the Islamic religious authorities to provide clear guidelines and ensure that such events do not offend the sensitivities of the Muslim community.

However, we would like to highlight a few concerns that we believe could be addressed to foster greater understanding and cooperation among all religious communities.

For instance, the requirement for non-Muslim organisations to obtain permission from Islamic religious authorities if invitations involve Muslim leaders or individuals may be seen as an additional layer of bureaucracy that could hinder the spirit of mutual respect and unity.

Furthermore, some of the provisions in the guidelines, such as ensuring event locations are not near mosques, suraus, Muslim cemeteries, or waqf lands, and prohibiting the display of symbols of religions other than Islam on event premises, might unintentionally create a sense of separation rather than promoting inclusivity.

Malaysia has a proud tradition of celebrating each other’s religious and cultural festivals, which has always been a testament to our country's unique multicultural fabric.

It is essential to continue this tradition to strengthen our national unity and harmony. In doing so, we uphold the principles of the Rukun Negara, particularly the goals of achieving unity and maintaining a democratic way of life.

We respectfully urge the government to consider these concerns and engage in open and constructive dialogue with representatives of all religious communities.

By working together, we can ensure that the guidelines respect the sensitivities of all parties involved while promoting greater understanding and cooperation among all Malaysians.

Prematilaka KD Serisena is president, Malaysian Buddhist Consultative Council. 

The views expressed in this article are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the position of MalaysiaNow. 

Time to give religious affairs minister the boot, says ex-DAP man

FMT Reporters

-06 Feb 2025, 08:30 AM

Ronnie Liu says Na’im Mokhtar has failed to understand the nature, realities, and sensitivities of Malaysia’s multiracial society.

 Former DAP leader Ronnie Liu said minister Na’im Mokhtar has on several occasions sparked brouhahas over religious matters. (Bernama pic)

PETALING JAYA: A former assemblyman has called for religious affairs minister Na’im Mokhtar to be replaced following criticism over proposed guidelines for Muslims attending non-Muslim events.

Former DAP leader Ronnie Liu said it was not the first time that Na’im had sparked a brouhaha over religious matters, citing the outcry over a proposal in September to make halal certification mandatory for food companies that do not serve pork or alcohol.

Liu also referred to the Mufti (Federal Territories) Bill 2024, which was opposed by civil society groups and Perlis mufti Asri Zainul Abidin.

“To me, this minister has failed again to understand the nature, realities, and sensitivities of a multiracial society like ours.

“Maybe it’s time to send him back to where he belongs before he can create more social havoc. He’s a classic example of someone being promoted to a position simply beyond his ability,” the former Sungai Pelek assemblyman said in a Facebook post.

Na’im said yesterday that new guidelines were in the works to set out clear rules regarding the involvement of Muslims in non-Muslim festivities and funerals, as well as events held at non-Muslim houses of worship.

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 the religious symbols of faiths other than Islam.

Na’im also said organisers would need to obtain the permission of the relevant authorities, as well as the “views” of Islamic authorities, if their event were to involve Muslims.

MIC urged Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to intervene, while Bangi MP Syahredzan Johan said the guidelines would impact Muslim elected representatives attending events at non-Muslim places of worship.

However, Na’im said the guidelines were drawn up with noble intentions and were merely advisory in nature.

The minister also said they were aimed at fostering “social and cultural” harmony within Malaysia’s multi-religious society while ensuring that the participation of Muslims in such events does not spark controversy or infringe on religious sensitivities.

Wednesday, 5 February 2025

Where is Malaysia heading in racial harmony and national unity?

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Where is Malaysia heading in racial harmony and national unity?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R4gxpq-7Uyk (DON'T TREAT ME LIKE AN IDIOT MADANI!!!)

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 5, 2025: While Singapore tightens its laws and enforcement to protect racial harmony, Malaysia is doing just the opposite.

Malaysia’s Religious Affairs Minister Na’im Mokhtar said that new guidelines were in the works to set out clear rules regarding the involvement of Muslims in non-Muslim festivities and funerals.

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 the religious symbols of faiths other than Islam.

Judge for yourself how ridiculous racial and religious bigots in Malaysia are becoming.

Is it any wonder that tiny Singapore (as multiracial as Malaysia) is so superior in socio-economic progress compared to Malaysia.

So, is it also suprising that SG$1 is now worth more than 3XRinggit, when in the 60s it was SG$1-RM1.

Malaysia’s 10^th Prime Minister (PMX) Anwar Ibrahim is also doing no better than the last three premiers as his so-called Madani Unity Government is doing nothing to stem racial and religious bigotry.

No News Is Bad News reproduces below a news report on the ridiculous guidelines being drafted to interfere in the cultural and religious practices and beliefs of non-Muslims:

Wednesday, 5 February 2025

Sorry, leave the Muslims, including the PM, out of non-Muslim events

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Sorry, leave the Muslims, including the PM, out of non-Muslim events

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 5, 2025: Racial and religious bigots in Malaysia are getting more and more ridiculous in their governing of Muslim and Islamic Affairs.

They are now trying to impose their religious beliefs on non-Muslims, the latest being non-Muslim event organisers must get their permission if they want to invite Muslims.

Why should non-Muslims comply or submit to them?

Worse come to worse, event organisers should just stop inviting Muslims to their cultural and community events, whether held in non-Muslim places of worship or otherwise.

Leave them all out, including the prime minister, his deputy, ministers, state executive councillors, MPs and state assemblymen.

Jakim or any religious authority can go ahead and ban Muslims from attending non-Muslim events because that is their power.

But, leave the non-Muslims out of this as religious authorities have no control whatsoever over the rights and beliefs of non-Muslims.

For example, in Chinese funerals, there is no such thing as invitation. Relatives and friends, including Muslims, come at their own free will to pay their last respecvts.

So, if Muslims turn up, what should the mourning family members do? Chase them away?

What a ridiculous and moronic proposal to try and govern the religious beliefs of non-Muslims.

On this issue, at least MIC deputy president M.Saravanan has the conscious to speak up.

Have the the loyal Umno political lapdog MCA and the Pakatan Harapan (PH) lapdog DAP lost their tongues?

No News Is Bad News reproduces below a news report on the attempt to interfere in the religious practices and affairs of non-Muslims:

MIC wants Anwar to intervene over proposed new rules on non-Muslim events

FMT Reporters

-05 Feb 2025, 05:34 PM

The party’s deputy president M Saravanan described the move as unnecessary and one that could disrupt harmony.

MIC deputy president M Saravanan said the proposed directive belittled the efforts of Malaysia’s founding leaders who built the nation on trust, tolerance and goodwill among its diverse communities.

PETALING JAYA: The MIC has urged Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to intervene in the issue over proposed guidelines requiring event organisers at non-Muslim houses of worship to seek approval from Islamic authorities when inviting Muslim attendees.

In a statement, the party’s deputy president M Saravanan described the move as unnecessary and one that could disrupt harmony.

He also asked whether non-Muslims would now be required to seek approval from the Islamic development department (Jakim) before inviting Muslim guests and whether permission would be needed for Muslims to pay their last respects to deceased non-Muslim friends.

The proposed directive belittled the efforts of Malaysia’s founding leaders who built the nation on trust, tolerance and goodwill among its diverse communities, he said.

“The nation has thrived on unity and this proposed ruling disrupts the harmony we have maintained for decades.”

Saravanan also warned that the ruling could become a political liability for the government, potentially alienating non-Muslim support for the unity government.

“If the government blames the opposition for using race and religion to divide the people, it must not be seen doing the same.”

He urged the government to engage with all communities before making decisions affecting racial and religious sensitivities.

“The government must ensure that policies affecting both Muslims and non-Muslims are made through proper consultation with all races.”

Earlier today, it was reported that religious affairs minister Na’im Mokhtar had said that new guidelines were in the works to set out clear rules regarding the involvement of Muslims in non-Muslim festivities and funerals.

In a written Dewan Rakyat reply, he said the guidelines would also cover the involvement of Muslims in events at non-Muslim houses of worship.

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 the religious symbols of faiths other than Islam.

Na’im also said organisers would need to obtain the permission of the relevant authorities, as well as the “views” of Islamic authorities, if their event were to involve Muslims.