Close Encounters Of The Religious Kind

---

Phew! That was close. Had the guidelines drawn up by the Islamic Development Department (Jakim) and Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Na’im Mokhtar been in force, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s visit to Batu Caves ahead of Thaipusam later in the afternoon would have never taken place.
Given the short period, it would have been almost impossible for the temple management to use dhotis or sarees to cover the statue of Lord Murugan, which stands at the entrance to the caves and other religious symbols dotted around the grounds.
Fortunately, the cabinet had, earlier in the day, snuffed out the proposals that Na’im had put to Parliament on Wednesday, which imposed conditions on Muslims visiting non-Muslim places of worship.
For three days, there was uncertainty and tautness in the air. The rattle-patted proposals included views of the Islamic religious authorities being sought before a celebration is held if the invitation involves leaders or Muslims.
The proposals, which were preposterous and implausible as they were, pitted the nation into an “us vs them” situation where equanimity and reasonableness were initially drowned by political grandstanding.
However, as the dust settled on yet another issue, where voices of reason were superseded by what was viewed as political posturing to show whose shade of green shines brighter, conflicting messages emerged.
National Unity Minister Aaron Ago Dagang (left) and Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Na’im MokhtarAcknowledging that the issue had “raised confusion” (whatever that means), Na’im and National Unity Minister Aaron Ago Dagang made a politically correct statement.
The tone was unrepentant as if there was nothing wrong with pronouncements in Parliament earlier in the week.
They reminded me of a Tamil proverb, “Pillaiya killi vittu, thottile aatradhu,” loosely translated as “pinching a child and then oscillating the child's hammock”.
“The cabinet agreed that Jakim could advise Muslims on the importance of preserving their faith on such matters.
“However, the advice cannot be construed as a policy. We must be reminded that any policies made must consider national unity and get cabinet permission first,” they said.
It sounded like they were reminding each other of their duties and responsibilities.
Isn’t it the norm for all policies, even at the proposal stage, to be discussed and debated at the cabinet?
Can ministers make policy statements arbitrarily, which affects, in this case, divides the whole nation?
PM’s intervention
Anwar had the final say, coming out smelling like a bunch of roses when he announced that the proposed guidelines for Muslims participating in events at non-Muslim places of worship are not required.
It was not an admonition but an advisory of sorts saying that the guidelines are unnecessary as Muslims know their limits.
“What is important is for Muslims to safeguard their faith… there are rules we cannot breach, but when it comes to mingling with other communities, there has never been a problem,” he said.
If this is so, could Anwar re-visit the 2005 Fatwa Committee of the National Council for Islamic Religious Affairs guidelines on Muslims attending festivals of non-Muslims?
Among other things, these guidelines prohibit religious symbols such as crosses, lights, candles, Christmas trees, and any religious markings on the forehead, which they claim “causes the taint of the faith of Muslims”.
But what is Christmas without the traditional lighted trees? Hindu women usually put on a “pottu” (a dot worn on the forehead between the eyebrows), and some men smear “vibuthi” (holy ash) on their foreheads. Indeed, they cannot take them off to accommodate guests at open houses.
However, it was not a case of all’s well that ends well. What is a grand performance without an encore?
Enter Akmal and PAS
Umno Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh disagreed with Anwar’s stance and issued a veiled threat, that non-Muslims should not meddle in the matter.
“Especially when it comes to guidelines for Muslims, which apply only to Muslims. Non-Muslims don’t need to be involved or interfere. Simple as that,” he said.
Akmal acknowledges that Jakim’s edicts only apply to Muslims, but requiring non-Muslims who organise events in houses of worship to be consulted is beyond its jurisdiction. Who, then, is interfering with its affairs?
PAS Youth chief Afnan Hamimi Taib Azamudden joined the chorus, criticising the government’s stance on the guidelines.
“The National Fatwa Council is an authoritative body that provides guidance to Muslims on matters related to faith and religious practices.
“Ignoring or failing to respect its views not only creates confusion among Muslims but also has the potential to undermine religious sensitivities, which have long been a cornerstone of harmony in Malaysia’s multiracial society,” he said.
Before politicians urge their supporters to queue at police stations to make reports and troll me on social media, let me clarify: This would align with Anwar’s assertion that “there has never been a problem coming to mingling with other communities.”
I have never belittled any religion but have spoken up against those who want to impose their faith and values on others. I have related “feel good” episodes of brotherliness around the globe.
Look around the world
Nine years ago, I wrote about heart-rending and touching anecdotes from around the world about people of different faiths getting together to break their fast during Ramadan.
I wrote: “The mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, broke fast with Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis and over 100 young people from different communities. They attended the event hosted at Lambeth Palace by Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby. He had previously done the same at the Finchley Reform Synagogue.
“In Dubai, a 10-member Al Manar Islamic Centre delegation broke their fast at a Sikh temple. The temple hall was filled with azan (a call for prayers) instead of the usual kirtan (holy verses) in honour and regard of the visitors from the Al Manar Islamic Centre.”
It is hoped that Malaysians will emulate their Muslim brethren elsewhere, who have continually transcended all boundaries and hurdles – religious, cultural and moral. This is every Malaysian’s dream. - Mkini
R NADESWARAN is a veteran journalist who writes on bread-and-butter issues. Comments: [email protected]
The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of MMKtT.

---