Umno has urged all quarters, including BN component parties, to stop competing with each other in “polemicising” the proposed interfaith guidelines for Muslims.
Naming DAP and Gerakan as well, Umno secretary-general Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki said: “My advice is to leave religious matters like this to the relevant authorities to be discussed in an academic and informed manner.”
“Ultimately, everyone must respect the position of the Malay rulers, who hold absolute authority in determining all matters related to Islamic affairs and interests,” he added in a social media post.
Guidelines are not rules
Asyraf said the guidelines are important for Muslims as a fundamental framework that serves as a parameter and guide to provide clarity on certain limitations in any religious celebrations and rituals to ensure they do not compromise the aqidah, which is the core of one’s belief.
“For example: There is no issue in attending religious celebrations as a manifestation of interfaith harmony, which has long been practised. However, limitations must be observed when it comes to participating in certain religious rituals that may affect one’s aqidah, and this should serve as a guideline for Muslims.
“Secondly, these guidelines should also be seen as a positive initiative for non-Muslims, helping them to understand and respect the sensitivities of Muslims regarding certain religious rituals that could affect their faith.
“Thirdly, these guidelines are not legal rules or regulations but merely a guide and a source of beneficial knowledge for everyone to understand the boundaries and limits when participating in religious ceremonies and worship of other faiths,” he added.
Mutual respect and tolerance
Therefore, Asyraf said there is no need to continue politicising this issue, as every Malaysian must uphold mutual respect and tolerance in practising their respective religions and cultures.
He added that these values have long been the foundation of Malaysia’s strength and uniqueness as a multiethnic nation.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has said the cabinet would discuss the proposed guidelines at its weekly meeting today.
In a written parliamentary reply Wednesday, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Na’im Mokhtar announced that the government would be introducing a new set of guidelines for events involving Muslims at non-Islamic houses of worship.
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. - Mkini
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