MIC rubbishes new rules imposed on event organisers at non-Muslim houses of worship

MIC rubbishes new rules imposed on event organisers at non-Muslim houses of worship

By Datuk Seri M. Saravanan





MIC is seriously concern over the latest move by the Madani government requiring event organisers at non-Muslim houses of worship to obtain approval of Islamic authorities when inviting Muslim leaders for festive events, funerals or any other religious/cultural ceremonies in their premises.


Malaysia has been enjoying peace and prosperity by being a united and harmonious nation.


We certainly feel that there is no such need for the amendment in the guidelines for Muslims proposed by the Minister in the Prime Minister (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na’im Mokhtar through a written reply in the Dewan Rakyat.




Is the Minister saying that every time there is a funeral of a non-Muslim, a Muslim friend must get approval before attending the funeral service?

Or when we organise weddings, non-Muslims will first have to seek approval from the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM) first before inviting Muslim guests?

Or when someone dies, we need to obtain JAKIM’s permission before allowing Muslims to attend to pay their last respects to the deceased?

So, since there is a Muslim cemetery next to non-Muslim crematorium in Klang, does this mean that bodies of deceased non-Muslims can only be cremated outside the Klang Municipal Council (MPK) building?

Ridiculous move

MIC certainly feels that this move by the government belittles the efforts of our past leaders who had built this blessed nation based on trust, tolerance and goodwill among the various races from Sabah to Perlis.

Datuk Seri M. Saravanan

The nation has all these while been doing well when it comes to national unity and living as a happy family – all the ingredients that make us strong and able to stand out in the eyes of the world.

We urge Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to intervene in this matter urgently as this latest exercise will impact non-Muslims directly.

This amendment is a liability to the ruling government as it is likely to reduce non-Muslim support towards the unity government.

MIC also feels that the ruling government should not blame the Opposition for using race and religion as a tool to divide the people as it, too, is seen to be doing the same.

We urge the Madani government and its leaders to consult with other races first when it comes to making decisions touching on racial and religious sensitivities. – Feb 5, 2025



Datuk Seri M. Saravanan is the MIC deputy president and Tapah MP.