The Cabinet has decided that the Islamic Development Department (JAKIM) can provide recommendations to Muslims on maintaining faith, but these recommendations do not have policy effect.
In addition, the Cabinet reiterated that all policy formulation must consider national unity and must be approved by the Cabinet.
The Cabinet meeting, chaired by the Prime Minister, discussed the recommendation proposed by the Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs), Dato' Seri Mohd Na'im, on guidelines for Muslims participating in activities at non-Islamic religious sites.
The meeting reviewed the issues of confusion caused by this recommendation.
After the meeting, the Minister in the Prime Minister's Department in charge of religious affairs, Mohd Na'im, and the Minister of National Unity, Dato' Aaron Dagang, issued a joint statement titled "Guideline Recommendations for Muslim Participation in Activities at Non-Islamic Religious Sites."
The statement said that some Muslims had previously expressed doubts about invitations to attend events organized by non-Islamic religious communities, especially those involving religious elements. To provide guidance, the Islamic Development Department has proactively developed the relevant guidelines.
The statement pointed out that given the confusion among various ethnic and religious groups regarding this issue, the Cabinet has decided that the Islamic Development Department may provide recommendations on maintaining faith, but these do not have policy effect.
"At the same time, the Ministry of National Unity will continue to promote 'Harmony Dialogues' to strengthen social harmony and encourage interaction among people of different religious beliefs."
The statement mentioned that inclusive discussions must fully take into account the sensitivities of all parties to promote national unity. Therefore, all issues related to religious harmony will be further discussed at the "Interfaith Harmony Committee" (JK HARMONI) meeting, which consists of 24 representatives from various religions (Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, Christianity, Sikhism, Taoism, Bahá'í). The first meeting of the year is planned for this month to hear from all members.
The statement stated that Malaysia, as a multicultural nation, has long been a model of world unity and harmony. The unity government realizes that national stability depends on the well-being of the people, and a society that coexists peacefully is key to achieving this goal.
Most Ministers Disagree
Most Ministers Disagree
Although the above joint statement did not clarify whether the guidelines were withdrawn or shelved, it is understood by Guang Hua Daily that the Cabinet meeting today overturned this controversial new guideline.
According to sources to Guang Hua Daily, most cabinet members expressed disapproval of this guideline during the Saturday (February 7) meeting, considering it unnecessary.
It is understood that cabinet ministers who did not agree with the guideline included those from UMNO, East Malaysia, and Chinese ministers.
The source said that since there was not even a document for the guideline, the Cabinet decided after discussion that there was no need to proceed further with it.
Earlier, it was mentioned that the Ministry of Unity would issue a statement on this matter.
The Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs), Datuk Mohd Na'im, had previously stated that the Islamic Development Department is finalizing the guidelines regulating Muslim participation in non-Muslim celebrations, activities, and ceremonies.
According to Mohd Na'im's written response from parliament earlier, the guideline titled "Muslim Participation in Non-Muslim Celebrations and Funerals and Participation in Events Held at Non-Muslim Religious Sites" outlines matters of Muslim participation in non-Islamic celebrations to ensure that there is no behavior that might offend Muslim sensitivities.
He illustrated with examples such as performances or speeches that insult or mock the Muslim faith, any speeches or songs of a proselytizing nature, the display of non-Islamic religious symbols or signs, and the avoidance of scheduling events during Muslim prayer times.