EVEN with the Madani government having scrapped the controversial proposed amendments to the guidelines on Muslim participation in non-Muslim festivities/funerals in view of a nationwide outrage, Muslims and non-Muslims are still harping on absurdity of what had been laid out.
Doubtlessly, the guidelines had raised the heckles of many, not least prominent legal eagle and social activist Siti Kasim who ridiculed the Madani government for treating “Muslims like brainless fools”.
Imagine if indeed the guidelines see the light of day – and eventually be made a law – it will be a hassle par excellence for a Muslim to pay his/her final respects to a Christian or even Taoist or Hindu friend for the matter.
KENYATAAN MEDIA MENTERI DI JABATAN PERDANA MENTERI (HAL EHWAL AGAMA) BERKAITAN CADANGAN GARIS PANDUAN PENGLIBATAN ORANG ISLAM DALAM MAJLIS SAMBUTAN PERAYAAN DAN UPACARA KEMATIAN ORANG SELAIN ISLAM SERTA KUNJUNGAN DAN PENGANJURAN MAJLIS DI RUMAH IBADAT SELAIN ISLAM
1. Susulan isu… pic.twitter.com/XDDBCGW6ui
— Dato’ Setia Dr.Naim (@DSDrNaim) February 5, 2025
If the guidelines had its way, not only had the mourning family subjected to the hassle of having to obtain permission from the relevant authorities for their Muslim guests to attend the wake at the church but all visible non-Muslim religious symbols must be removed or covered.
This scenario may not be obstructive in the peninsula bit can pose be a major headache in Sabah and Sarawak which boast massive number of mixed marriages.
This hypothetical scenario was postulated on X by Endie (@The_Endie) who highlighted the absurdity of the proposed guidelines which seems designed to further splinter society as the above example highlights.
Senario 1:
Kawan Kristian saya meninggal. Keluarga dia buat acara ‘wake’ di gereja dan menjemput kwn2 si mati. Sebelum saya hadir di gereja tersebut, berdasarkan guideline, mereka kena minta kebenaran dari pihak berkuasa utk jemput saya; dan semua salib di gereja mesti disorok 🤡 https://t.co/WIbTy3HnYw pic.twitter.com/7A04eJ0Fcz— Endie (@The_Endie) February 6, 2025
Many netizens echoed the sentiment that this made any sort of cross-cultural celebration or mourning nigh on impossible.
One netizen who has relations of various faith said such guidelines would make it difficult to attend funerals or weddings of multi-faith close relatives.
Another pointed out that matters of faith are down to the individual and as long as Muslims do not actively participate in non-Muslim religious ritual, it should be fine. A person’s faith should not be shaken simply by gazing upon other religious symbols.
One commenter quoted Malaysian Consultative Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism and Taoism president Dao Zhang Tan Hoe Chieow who viewed such guidelines as potentially capable of driving further schism in a multi-cultural society.
Worryingly, one netizen replied to this by stating that the guidelines have been in existence since 2005 with the latest version being proposed updates. He contended that this “only applies to Muslims” and “events at public venues such as government departments”.
If this is indeed correct, then there should be no Christmas trees or lion dances to celebrate festivities in government departments. There can be no such displays that show Malaysia as a peaceful, harmonious multi-cultural society.
One netizen even invited Datuk Na’im Mokthar (Minister in PM’s Dept – religious affairs) who was instrumental in drafting the proposal to answer pertinent questions raised by netizens in the said post, ie the example of a Christian funeral at a church.
With some unable to hide their contempt for the religious affairs minister for even mooting such ridiculous guideline amendments.
These guidelines are nothing more than a poorly disguised attempt to drive a wedge between Malaysians. As the example highlights, a Muslim cannot even bid a final farewell to a Christian friend without having to jump through bureaucratic hoops.
As one netizen summed it up, the ultra-conservative element is controlling the narrative. Is this what Malaysians want? – Feb 8, 2025
Post-script: Even Muslims have vented their displeasure with the contentious guidelines.
The arrogance and ignorance of these guidelines are astounding.
I personally will not be using them and feel that they are against the spirit of moderation and acceptance in our country.
Unbelievable. https://t.co/JtA3SRSqY5
— Azrul Mohd Khalib (@azrulmohdkhalib) February 5, 2025
Salam YAB/YB Muslim sekelian.
We Muslims are capable of thinking for ourselves. We don’t need you to dictate our do’s and don’ts. We are not children.
Thank you,
A Muslim. https://t.co/KwisBplsiD
— ايدي بن داود Eddy Daud (@eddydaud) February 5, 2025
