Agong Attended Thaipusam Do At Temple Before Groups Remind Na Im

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wo associations representing Hindu devotees have opposed Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Na’im Mokhtar’s proposal to introduce new guidelines for events involving Muslims at non-Muslim places of worship.
The Malaysian Hindu Temples & Religious Associations Council (Mahima) also reminded the government that the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar had himself attended events at non-Muslim houses of worship.
“The minister has carried out his duties, but he cannot prohibit individuals from participating in matters related to other religions.
“The minister should remember that in 2019, our Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim attended the Johor state-level Thaipusam celebration at the Arulmigu Thendayuthapani Temple.
ADS“As we live in a multiracial society under the Madani government, decisions and actions must prioritise the well-being of the people,” said Mahima president N Sivakumar in a statement yesterday.
It was previously reported that Sultan Ibrahim had also attended a Thaipusam event at the Arulmigu Sri Bala Subramaniar Temple in Skudai, Johor, just two years ago. Johor Menteri Besar Onn Hafiz Ghazi was also present.
Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar with Johor MB Onn Hafiz Ghazi during a Thaipusam celebration at Arulmigu Sri Bala Subramaniar, Skudai, Johor in 2023Sivakumar, who is also the MIC treasurer-general, suggested that the muzakarah committee meeting of the National Council for Islamic Religious Affairs scheduled for Feb 25-27, should consider allowing flexibility in the proposed guidelines.
“I propose some flexibility so that people can gain exposure, knowledge, and a platform to understand the practices and diversity of other religions.
“We must adhere to the first principle of the Rukun Negara - Kepercayaan Kepada Tuhan (Belief in God) - which is the core of our nation’s well-being,” he said.
Pushback against new guidelines
In a written parliamentary reply published yesterday, Na’im announced 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 obtaining permission from religious authorities if the event includes Muslims, and the events must not contain elements that could offend Muslim sensitivities.
Following backlash, Na'im said that the guidelines were still under review.
Separately, Malaysian Hindu Sangam (MHS) highlighted that the primary role of the Islamic Development Department (Jakim) is to oversee Islamic affairs and guide the Muslim community.
As such, it argued that extending its authority over non-Muslims through these guidelines is inappropriate and excessive.
“If there are concerns about Muslims attending non-Muslim events, the responsibility should lie with the Muslims themselves to seek guidance, not with non-Muslims to navigate additional layers of bureaucracy.
ADS“Policies that divide rather than unite are counterproductive to Malaysia’s spirit of unity in diversity.
“More concerning is that this proposal has emerged without consultation with key stakeholders, including religious organisations and civil society groups,” MHS central leadership said.
It stressed that policies affecting interfaith relations must be formulated through open and inclusive dialogue to ensure fairness, practicality, and respect for all religious communities.
MHS also urged the government to engage religious and community leaders in meaningful discussions before implementing any policies that impact interfaith interactions. - Mkini

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