Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye has urged for a celebration of religious maturity instead of advancing attempts to undermine it following the Cabinet’s decision to dismiss the new guidelines for Muslims visiting non-Muslim places of worship or events. – Scoop pic, February 8, 2025
No Muslims coerced at events: Lee Lam Thye rebukes Na’im on dismissed religious guidelines
National Unity Advisory Council member says unnecessary for religious affairs minister to publicise guidelines before it was presented to Cabinet
Qistina Nadia Dzulqarnain
Updated 38 minutes ago
8 February, 2025
9:00 PM MYT
KUALA LUMPUR – There are no threats, coercion or other issues faced by Muslims who attend events organised by non-Muslims, said Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye amid heightened tensions over the now-scrapped proposed guidelines to oversee such activities.
In upholding Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s stance dismissing the necessity of the guidelines, the National Unity Advisory Council member urged for a celebration of religious maturity instead of advancing attempts to undermine it.
“The statement by the prime minister that there is no need for new guidelines for Muslims visiting non-Muslim places of worship or events is most sensible and pertinent,” Lee said in a statement today.
He also slammed minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Mohd Na’im Mokhtar for “unnecessarily” publicising the guidelines without first presenting the proposal to the Cabinet.
“There have been negative responses from many sectors of the population over the announcement by the minister (Na’im) concerning the involvement of Muslims in non-Muslim festivities and funerals.
“It was totally unnecessary for (Na’im) to have raised the matter without first bringing it up in the Cabinet, knowing that this would be a sensitive issue,” Lee chided.
He noted that since Malaysia was formed in 1957 as a multiracial, multicultural and multireligious nation, it has prided itself on celebrating unity in diversity as mutual respect and understanding have long been the foundation of Malaysia’s harmony.
“Over the years, Muslims and non-Muslims have interacted at events similar to those cited by (Na’im), (and yet) not one Muslim has felt uncomfortable or had their religious faith shaken,” Lee said.
He referenced one occasion, to his knowledge, when a group of Muslims attended a non-worship session in a church here and listened to the pastor’s talk on some practices.
“Not one of the (Muslim) participants was confused or felt intimidated,” he said.
“Hundreds of Muslims have gone to schools – some with crosses – run by Christian missionaries. But until today, not one Muslim student has had any (faith) issues. If at all, their faith has been strengthened.
“So please, let’s not look in the dark for a black cat that isn’t there,” he added.
If Malaysians were to reaffirm, abide by and practice the principles of the Rukun Negara, Lee stressed, then there would be no need to introduce any guidelines for Muslims to participate in non-Muslim events.
Lee’s take on the matter, however, is in direct opposition with Umno Youth chief Datuk Muhammad Akmal Saleh’s view, with the latter appearing to disagree with the prime minister’s stance that guidelines for Muslims are unnecessary.
Arguing that not all Muslims are fully aware of certain limitations when visiting non-Muslim places of worship, the Merlimau assemblyman insisted that the guidelines would serve as a source of reference and “reminder” for Muslims.
“Especially when it comes to guidelines for Muslims, which only applies to Muslims, (then) non-Muslims don’t need to be involved or interfere. Simple as that,” Akmal said in a Facebook post.
He also likened the guidelines to road regulations, asserting that many licensed drivers still don’t fully understand existing laws, with some even driving under the influence of alcohol.
Earlier this week, Na’im announced that the government plans to introduce new guidelines for events involving Muslims at non-Islamic houses of worship, among others.
The guidelines include obtaining permission from religious authorities if the event includes Muslims, and the events must not contain elements that could offend Muslim sensitivities.
However, Na’im and National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang in a joint statement yesterday said the Cabinet had decided against implementing the guidelines after they “caused confusion” among Malaysians of different races and religions. – February 9, 2025
No Muslims coerced at events: Lee Lam Thye rebukes Na’im on dismissed religious guidelines
National Unity Advisory Council member says unnecessary for religious affairs minister to publicise guidelines before it was presented to Cabinet
Qistina Nadia Dzulqarnain
Updated 38 minutes ago
8 February, 2025
9:00 PM MYT
KUALA LUMPUR – There are no threats, coercion or other issues faced by Muslims who attend events organised by non-Muslims, said Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye amid heightened tensions over the now-scrapped proposed guidelines to oversee such activities.
In upholding Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s stance dismissing the necessity of the guidelines, the National Unity Advisory Council member urged for a celebration of religious maturity instead of advancing attempts to undermine it.
“The statement by the prime minister that there is no need for new guidelines for Muslims visiting non-Muslim places of worship or events is most sensible and pertinent,” Lee said in a statement today.
He also slammed minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Mohd Na’im Mokhtar for “unnecessarily” publicising the guidelines without first presenting the proposal to the Cabinet.
“There have been negative responses from many sectors of the population over the announcement by the minister (Na’im) concerning the involvement of Muslims in non-Muslim festivities and funerals.
“It was totally unnecessary for (Na’im) to have raised the matter without first bringing it up in the Cabinet, knowing that this would be a sensitive issue,” Lee chided.
He noted that since Malaysia was formed in 1957 as a multiracial, multicultural and multireligious nation, it has prided itself on celebrating unity in diversity as mutual respect and understanding have long been the foundation of Malaysia’s harmony.
“Over the years, Muslims and non-Muslims have interacted at events similar to those cited by (Na’im), (and yet) not one Muslim has felt uncomfortable or had their religious faith shaken,” Lee said.
He referenced one occasion, to his knowledge, when a group of Muslims attended a non-worship session in a church here and listened to the pastor’s talk on some practices.
“Not one of the (Muslim) participants was confused or felt intimidated,” he said.
“Hundreds of Muslims have gone to schools – some with crosses – run by Christian missionaries. But until today, not one Muslim student has had any (faith) issues. If at all, their faith has been strengthened.
“So please, let’s not look in the dark for a black cat that isn’t there,” he added.
If Malaysians were to reaffirm, abide by and practice the principles of the Rukun Negara, Lee stressed, then there would be no need to introduce any guidelines for Muslims to participate in non-Muslim events.
Lee’s take on the matter, however, is in direct opposition with Umno Youth chief Datuk Muhammad Akmal Saleh’s view, with the latter appearing to disagree with the prime minister’s stance that guidelines for Muslims are unnecessary.
Arguing that not all Muslims are fully aware of certain limitations when visiting non-Muslim places of worship, the Merlimau assemblyman insisted that the guidelines would serve as a source of reference and “reminder” for Muslims.
“Especially when it comes to guidelines for Muslims, which only applies to Muslims, (then) non-Muslims don’t need to be involved or interfere. Simple as that,” Akmal said in a Facebook post.
He also likened the guidelines to road regulations, asserting that many licensed drivers still don’t fully understand existing laws, with some even driving under the influence of alcohol.
Earlier this week, Na’im announced that the government plans to introduce new guidelines for events involving Muslims at non-Islamic houses of worship, among others.
The guidelines include obtaining permission from religious authorities if the event includes Muslims, and the events must not contain elements that could offend Muslim sensitivities.
However, Na’im and National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang in a joint statement yesterday said the Cabinet had decided against implementing the guidelines after they “caused confusion” among Malaysians of different races and religions. – February 9, 2025
***
The Sultan of Selangor said religious tolerance must not be compromised. Every citizen needs to respect Islam’s constitutional position as the religion of the federation, while Muslims are to strengthen their faith through knowledge so that they are not easily swayed. - Selangor Royal Office Facebook, February 8, 2025
Selangor Sultan against guidelines for Muslims at non-Muslim events
As a multiracial and multi-religious country, religious tolerance must be upheld, decrees Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah
8 February, 2025
7:01 PM MYT
KUALA LUMPUR – The Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, has stated his disagreement with the move to create guidelines for Muslims attending non-Muslim events.
His Majesty said that as the head of Islam in Selangor, he viewed the proposal for the guidelines to have been made at an inappropriate time when citizens of different races and religions are striving to strengthen national unity.
“The polemics that have arisen have caused anxiety and affects the harmony that has already been established,” Sultan Sharafuddin said in a statement posted on the the Selangor Royal Office’s Facebook page.
“His Majesty reminds that as a plural country with its citizens following various religions and beliefs, religious tolerance should not be compromised. At the same time, every citizen needs to respect and acknowledge that Islam is the religion of the federation as enshrined in the Constitution of Malaysia,” the ruler also said.
He also reminded Muslims in the state to continuously strengthen their faith through knowledge.
“When every Muslim has strong faith and is established in the confidence of Allah Subhanahu Wata’ala, then we will not be easily misled or influenced by external factors,” the Sultan added.
The ruler’s statement follows the cabinet’s decision yesterday that there is no need for the proposed guidelines which were raised by Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Senator Datuk Mohd Na’im Mokhtar in a written parliamentary reply earlier this week.
After days of backlash, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said yesterday the cabinet agreed such guidelines were unnecessary. Any advice issued to Muslims on such matters by the Islamic Development Department (Jakim) is to not to be deemed as policy, Anwar added.
The proposed guidelines would have required non-Muslims to ensure that their events or celebrations must not include actions or symbols that could offend Muslims. They must also obtain permission from the authorities if Muslims are to participate or be involved in a non-Muslim event. – February 8, 2025
Selangor Sultan against guidelines for Muslims at non-Muslim events
As a multiracial and multi-religious country, religious tolerance must be upheld, decrees Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah
8 February, 2025
7:01 PM MYT
KUALA LUMPUR – The Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, has stated his disagreement with the move to create guidelines for Muslims attending non-Muslim events.
His Majesty said that as the head of Islam in Selangor, he viewed the proposal for the guidelines to have been made at an inappropriate time when citizens of different races and religions are striving to strengthen national unity.
“The polemics that have arisen have caused anxiety and affects the harmony that has already been established,” Sultan Sharafuddin said in a statement posted on the the Selangor Royal Office’s Facebook page.
“His Majesty reminds that as a plural country with its citizens following various religions and beliefs, religious tolerance should not be compromised. At the same time, every citizen needs to respect and acknowledge that Islam is the religion of the federation as enshrined in the Constitution of Malaysia,” the ruler also said.
He also reminded Muslims in the state to continuously strengthen their faith through knowledge.
“When every Muslim has strong faith and is established in the confidence of Allah Subhanahu Wata’ala, then we will not be easily misled or influenced by external factors,” the Sultan added.
The ruler’s statement follows the cabinet’s decision yesterday that there is no need for the proposed guidelines which were raised by Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Senator Datuk Mohd Na’im Mokhtar in a written parliamentary reply earlier this week.
After days of backlash, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said yesterday the cabinet agreed such guidelines were unnecessary. Any advice issued to Muslims on such matters by the Islamic Development Department (Jakim) is to not to be deemed as policy, Anwar added.
The proposed guidelines would have required non-Muslims to ensure that their events or celebrations must not include actions or symbols that could offend Muslims. They must also obtain permission from the authorities if Muslims are to participate or be involved in a non-Muslim event. – February 8, 2025
***
Sack Mohd Na’im Mokhtar!!!
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