Time To Give Religious Affairs Minister The Boot Says Ex Dap Man

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Former DAP leader Ronnie Liu said minister Na’im Mokhtar has on several occasions sparked brouhahas over religious matters. (Bernama pic)
PETALING JAYA: A former assemblyman has called for religious affairs minister Na’im Mokhtar to be replaced following criticism over proposed guidelines for Muslims attending non-Muslim events.
Former DAP leader Ronnie Liu said it was not the first time that Na’im had sparked a brouhaha over religious matters, citing the outcry over a proposal in September to make halal certification mandatory for food companies that do not serve pork or alcohol.
Liu also referred to the Mufti (Federal Territories) Bill 2024, which was opposed by civil society groups and Perlis mufti Asri Zainul Abidin.
“To me, this minister has failed again to understand the nature, realities, and sensitivities of a multiracial society like ours.
“Maybe it’s time to send him back to where he belongs before he can create more social havoc. He’s a classic example of someone being promoted to a position simply beyond his ability,” the former Sungai Pelek assemblyman said in a Facebook post.
Na’im said yesterday that new guidelines were in the works to set out clear rules regarding the involvement of Muslims in non-Muslim festivities and funerals, as well as events held at non-Muslim houses of worship.
Under the proposed rules, 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.
Na’im also said 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.
MIC urged Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to intervene, while Bangi MP Syahredzan Johan said the guidelines would impact Muslim elected representatives attending events at non-Muslim places of worship.
However, Na’im said the guidelines were drawn up with noble intentions and were merely advisory in nature.
The minister also said they were aimed at fostering “social and cultural” harmony within Malaysia’s multi-religious society while ensuring that the participation of Muslims in such events does not spark controversy or infringe on religious sensitivities. - FMT

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