Dap Mp S Question Ends Heated Debate On Interfaith Guidelines

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A heated debate on the proposed guidelines for Muslims attending non-Muslim festivities took place in the Dewan Rakyat today between government and opposition MPs. (Bernama pic)
KUALA LUMPUR: A government backbencher put an end to a heated debate over the proposed guidelines for Muslims attending non-Muslim festivities, when he asked an opposition MP for his views about the stand taken by a sultan on the matter.
The debate in the Dewan Rakyat was sparked after Chow Yu Hui (PH-Raub) expressed concerns over the proposed guidelines, arguing it would deepen the racial and religious divide in the country.
Such guidelines, Chow said, also went against the principles of tolerance and harmony that Malaysians have long upheld.
However, Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man (PN-Kubang Kerian) defended the need for a guideline saying it was necessary to prevent Muslims from participating in activities that could affect their faith.
Tuan Ibrahim also said Islam had its own rules and Muslims had the right to come up with such guidelines.
Chow countered, pointing out that Malaysian society had long practiced tolerance and mutual respect and pointed out that the menteri besar of PAS-led Terengganu had attended a Chinese New Year celebration.
But Tuan Ibrahim, who is PAS deputy president, reiterated that the guidelines were only meant to regulate religious ceremonies, adding that they were issued by the Islamic development department (Jakim).
Ngeh Koo Ham (PH-Beruas) then waded in and questioned the necessity of requiring Muslims to obtain permission, arguing that non-Muslims had never insisted on Muslim participation in religious events.
“No one has ever forced Muslims to participate in religious ceremonies. Non-Muslims are well aware of this. So why complicate matters?” he asked.
At this point, Khoo Poay Tiong (PH-Kota Melaka) stood up and asked Tuan Ibrahim: “Is Kubang Kerian against the Selangor sultan’s statement?”
Khoo was referring to a statement by the Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah on Feb 8.
Sultan Sharafuddin said he did not agree with the proposed guidelines for Muslims attending non-Muslim festivities, funerals or events at non-Muslim places of worship and was of the view that the Quran and Sunnah already provided the best guidelines for Muslims.
Khoo’s question elicited a chorus of reactions from the floor, with some MPs responding, “No need to discuss”.
Last week, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said the guidelines were unnecessary as it would only spark anxiety.
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. - FMT

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