Malaysia proposes new rules for Muslims attending non-Muslim events

Malaysia’s Religious Affairs Minister Mohd Na’im Mokhtar has said the country’s Islamic Development Department (JAKIM) is finalising specific guidelines in relation to Muslims’ participation in non-Muslim events or celebrations. Under the proposed rules, there can be no songs or speeches with religious “propaganda” or performances that may insult Muslims. Organisers of these events would also […]

Malaysia’s Religious Affairs Minister Mohd Na’im Mokhtar has said the country’s Islamic Development Department (JAKIM) is finalising specific guidelines in relation to Muslims’ participation in non-Muslim events or celebrations.

Under the proposed rules, there can be no songs or speeches with religious “propaganda” or performances that may insult Muslims.

Organisers of these events would also have to seek permission from relevant authorities and the views of Islamic agencies when inviting Muslims for events at a non-Muslim house of worship.

Ceremonies involving Muslims must also not be held during the daily Muslim prayer times, including during Friday prayers.

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The guidelines also specified that event location must not be close to a surau (prayer hall), mosque, Muslim cemetery or wakaf (endowment) land, and that the premises should not contain non-Islamic religious symbols.

Mohd Na’im was responding to a question by Member of Parliament (MP), Muhammad Fawwaz Mohamad Jan, who had asked the Prime Minister to state the government’s stance on the celebration of religious festivals on government premises.

He said the proposed updates to the existing guidelines regarding Muslim participation in such events are set to be finalised by the end of this month when the National Council for Islamic Religious Affairs meets. (Channel News Asia)