Guidelines For Muslims Non Muslims Unnecessary Says Anwar

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Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim says he will present the Cabinet’s decision to Sultan Nazrin Shah of Perak, who chairs the national council of Islamic religious affairs.
GOMBAK: Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim says controversial guidelines that would set clear rules regarding the involvement of Muslims in non-Muslim festivities and funerals are unnecessary.
Anwar said such guidelines would only cause anxiety.
“I think there’s no need for such guidelines because Muslims know the rules (of our faith).
“This is the norm. Let’s not complicate things and cause anxiety in our society. This is what the Cabinet decided,” he told reporters after attending an event in Batu Caves today.

Citing digital minister Gobind Singh Deo and his presence at the event, Anwar said it is common for politicians to visit houses of worship.
“Gobind often visits mosques in his parliamentary area but he does not participate in their religious ceremonies,” he said.
Anwar said there is a need to look out for the interests of every racial and religious group to ensure the nation remains peaceful.
“Although Islam is the official religion of Malaysia, our country is multiracial and multireligious,” he said.
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.
On Wednesday, religious affairs minister Na’im Mokhtar said new interfaith guidelines were in the works.
Na’im said there can be no speeches or songs with religious “propaganda” or performances that would insult Muslims, while the premises cannot display the religious symbols of faiths other than Islam.
Under the guidelines, which detractors, including religious groups and MPs, say could create division in the country, organisers would need to obtain the permission of the relevant authorities, as well as the “views” of Islamic authorities, if their event were to involve Muslims. - FMT

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