Unwarranted Religious Overreach Undermines Govt

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My heartfelt apologies to my Muslim friends, as they will no longer be invited to functions - which are sometimes held in a temple - for their own good and peace of mind or they might be hounded by the law.
They should not get into trouble for being “colour” blind just because they want to share their joy on an auspicious occasion with my family and me.
Although I am not bound by any guidelines or the diktat of the Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim) or any other religious body, the religious affairs minister, Na’im Mokhtar, said that I must obtain the views of the Islamic religious authorities before a celebration is held if the invitation involves Muslims.
In Parliament yesterday, Na’im announced new proposed guidelines for Muslims attending events in non-Islamic houses of worship.
In a written response to Pokok Sena MP Ahmad Saad Yahaya, Na’im also said that such events must not be coupled with activities that “could offend the sensitivities of Muslims” if they are to attend.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Na’im MokhtarThe minister listed examples, including speeches or songs in the form of propaganda and the distribution of religious pamphlets, performances or speeches that insult or mock Islamic religious beliefs, and carrying out the event during Muslim prayer times.
Preposterous and possibly illegal
For the uninitiated, only vegetarian food is served in Hindu temples, and liquor is a definite “no”. More importantly, no one in his right mind would belittle another religion, especially so in the House of God.
The Hindu priests’ rituals are conducted in ancient Sanskrit, a language few understand. Therefore, making speeches or singing songs as propaganda is not an issue. Ditto for religious sermons and the singing of hymns in churches which are primarily related to the Almighty.
Has there ever been an occasion where another religion has been demonised in houses of worship?
Important religious rituals and weddings are conducted during auspicious times according to the Hindu almanac, and barring them from being held during Muslim prayer times is not acceptable.
If the department can only issue guidelines or requirements to Muslims under its purview, dictating terms and imposing conditions on non-Muslims is unjustified and may border on illegality.
Another requirement is that premises do not contain non-Islamic religious symbols.
Should the statues and photographs of deities be removed from the temple? This is a preposterous demand that can never be implemented or enforced.
Undermining govt’s efforts
This certainly goes against Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s stand on strengthening unity.
Last Monday, he admonished certain quarters that made an issue about different ethnic groups in the country celebrating the festivals of other communities.
“Some have raised the issue of Malays celebrating Chinese New Year, Thaipusam - things that have never been a problem for decades are now being made into an issue.
“But do we want to entertain this or focus on our unity? Do we continue having differences of opinion, or do we strengthen unity? And why unity? To boost our economy,” Bernama reported him as saying.
These proposals are unnecessary, impractical, and divisive. They threaten religious freedom and undermine the government’s efforts. They are an affront to a multi-racial and multi-religious society.
Na’im’s subsequent statement that the guidelines were advisory and aimed at fostering “social and cultural” harmony among Malaysia’s multi-religious society is utter bunkum, to say the least.
“The guidelines are meant to spur the government’s efforts to strengthen unity and sow respect among the communities without any fear or misunderstanding from an Islamic perspective.
“The guidelines outline how Muslims could attend non-Muslim events in a manner that is orderly, respectful, and in adherence to Islamic principles.
“The guidelines will also ensure that the participation of Muslims in such activities does not spark controversy or infringe upon religious sensitivities.”
Where does it end?
For decades, Malaysians have attended each other’s religious and cultural events in houses of worship without issues. There has always been mutual respect and understanding of the diverse religious constraints and requirements.
YB Minister, if Muslims need guidance on attending non-Muslim events, it should be directed at them; regulating events is unwarranted and an abuse of one’s right to the freedom of association.
Were Na’im’s proposals formulated overnight, or was there discussion and consensus with stakeholders before they were presented in Parliament?
Was the prime minister, whose international Islamic credentials are known, consulted? Or was it a discreet and covert way of undermining him?
If previously air wells resembling a cross, hot dogs, and wordings on a cake were considered “sensitive”, now that term has been extended to the mere presence of human beings.
I wrote: “How do you put an end to this? Two words stand out in this issue - ‘sensitive’ and ‘confused’. They are interchangeable and are most often misused and abused for self-interest.”
Under the proposed guidelines, Muslim couples cannot bless and extend their best wishes to newlyweds who tie the knot in a temple or a church.
They can only do so after removing all fittings, including photographs, murals, and stained-glass windows (which will be misconstrued as religious symbols).
Tools of divisiveness
Whenever the opportunity arises, politicians and so-called community leaders on both sides quickly schedule meetings with the community.
Some falsely sell a non-existent product called “Muhibah”. The sales pitch is usually spiced up with related words - unity, congruence, understanding, considerateness, religious and racial acceptance.
But these words are not worth the paper they are written on. Once they turn their backs, they know they failed.
Some politicians and religious leaders have become tools of divisiveness used by some quarters - unknowingly or otherwise for selfish purposes - to claim and establish religious supremacy, while some are trying to show that they are holier than thou.
Or is there a dark state operating within? - 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.

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