HUMAN rights activist and lawyer Siti Kasim is fuming mad over the latest revelation by Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Mohd Na’im Mokhtar that the Madani government will soon issue new guidelines for Muslim participation in non-Muslim celebrations and ceremonies.
The new guidelines, among others, will touch on:
- Speeches or songs in the form of propaganda, dissemination of materials or promotion of their religion;
- Performances or speeches that insult or mock the beliefs of the Muslim community;
- Holding events during times when Muslims are engaged in worship such as during the call to prayer, congregational prayers, sermons or Friday prayers;
- Event locations must not be near mosques, surau, Muslim cemeteries or waqf lands;
- The premises used must not display symbols or attributes of religions other than Islam.
“In addition, organisers must obtain permission from the relevant authorities and seek advice from Islamic religious authorities if the invitation involves Muslim leaders or individuals before conducting any celebratory event,” he pointed out in a Parliamentary written reply published late last night (Feb 4).
“I’m so fricking angry reading this!!! 🤯” she hit out on her Facebook page while describing the so-called absurdity as “it’s getting bonkers by the day!! 🤯” in another post on the X platform.
Na’im was responding to two PAS MPs Datuk Ahmad Yahaya (Pokok Sena) and Muhammad Fawwaz Mohamad Jan (Permatang Pauh) who asked the government to state detailed guidelines regarding the celebration of other religious festivals by Muslims to avoid confusion among the public.
Furious reaction
Siti Kasim’s dismay over the bleak prospect of race relations is felt across her social media fanbase with the most popular solution being simply abstaining from inviting Muslims to non-Muslim events.
“My suggestion is why troubling yourself with all the rules and regulations? It’s better not to invite and no need for them to attend,” suggested one commenter with another lamenting that the “reverse gear has once again been engaged”.
Others wondered if the guidelines in directed at Muslims or non-Muslims for it is deemed a serious matter that the religious authorities “are seemingly intruding into the rights of non-Muslims”.
Others ticked off the Madani government for “playing the role of God” and that “the religious affairs minister must be so free to come up with these protocols”.
As it is, the “totally wrong direction” by politicising religion will only leading to the path of more segregation among Malaysians.
As comments flood Siti Kasim’s FB page, one Muslim commenter consoled non-Muslims against despairing about having to compromise the harmonious state of race relations in Malaysia.
“If you don’t let stupid interventions from political bigots and the government, and mix responsibly and thoughtfully, I believe we’re all adults enough to keep our friendship harmonious,” he sensibly pointed out.
“I for one NEVER let the authorities dictate how I mingle with my non-Muslim friends (+family & relatives).” – Feb 5, 2025
