Selangor Sultan Against Guidelines For Non Muslim Events

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The Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, said he believed that Muslims are aware of the boundaries of their faith and are not easily influenced. (Bernama pic)
PETALING JAYA: The Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, does not agree with the proposed guidelines for Muslims attending non-Muslim festivities, funerals or events at non-Muslim places of worship.
A statement on the Selangor Royal Office’s Facebook page said the Selangor ruler was of the view that the Quran and Sunnah already provide the best guidelines for Muslims.
“Therefore, issues such as Muslims’ deviating from their faith due to such practices do not arise,” the statement said.

“His Royal Highness believes that Muslims today are aware of the boundaries of their faith and are not easily influenced. They are wise in assessing the good or bad of any action.
“His Royal Highness further states that Muslims will not easily deviate or be influenced by external elements once they have strong faith, perfect belief, and strength in their conviction in Allah.”
The statement said that as the head of Islam in Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin viewed the proposed guidelines as being made at an “inappropriate time” as Malaysians are actively fostering goodwill among the various ethnic and religious communities to strengthen national unity.
Sultan Sharafuddin also noted that the controversy that has arisen has caused some concern among the community, which will “undoubtedly affect the harmony that has already been established”.
Stressing there should be no compromise on religious tolerance as Malaysians practise various religions and beliefs, he also said every citizen must respect and acknowledge that Islam is the religion of the federation, as enshrined in the Federal Constitution.
Yesterday, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said the proposed guidelines were unnecessary as “Muslims know the rules (of our faith)”.
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 the Islamic development department (Jakim) was working on new guidelines for Muslims attending events at non-Muslim places of worship.
Under the proposed guidelines, 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.
Na’im also said there can be no speeches or songs with religious “propaganda” or performances that would insult Muslims. The premises also cannot display the religious symbols of faiths other than Islam, he said. - FMT

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