New guidelines on cards for Malaysian Muslims attending non Muslim events

The Cabinet will discuss the new proposed guidelines for the Muslims attending non-Muslim events or celebrations on Friday (7 February 2025), says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

The Prime Minister said this when asked about the proposal requiring non-Muslims to seek approval from the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jakim) before hosting events that Muslims may attend, as announced by Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Senator Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar.

The Prime Minister was speaking to the media after the launch of the Implementation of Auditing of Government-linked Companies at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre here on Thursday (February 6).

"We will discuss that issue further in the Cabinet meeting tomorrow," said Anwar briefly. Earlier, Na'im revealed that new guidelines were in the works to set out clear rules regarding the involvement of Muslims in non-Muslim festivities and funerals, reports Daily Malaya Express.  In a written reply in Dewan Rakyat on Wednesday (5 February 2025), he said the guidelines would also cover the involvement of Muslims in events at non-Muslim houses of worship.

Under the proposed rules, there can be no speeches or songs with religious "propaganda" or performances that would insult Muslims, while the premises cannot display the religious symbols of faiths other than Islam.

Na'im also said organizers would need to obtain the permission of the relevant authorities, as well as the "views" of Islamic authorities, if their event were to involve Muslims. Critics, including religious groups and MPs, said that such rulings could exacerbate religious divisions in the country.

The new proposed guidelines for Muslims attending non-Muslim events are a troubling escalation of the government's overreach into personal and communal interactions, says Sisters in Islam (SIS).

The NGO said that at a time when Malaysia should be strengthening its multicultural identity, these new guidelines move Malaysians further from the vision of a united and harmonious society.

"Instead of promoting understanding and coexistence, these guidelines treat interfaith engagement as a threat rather than an opportunity for cultural exchange and mutual respect," the group said in a statement on Thursday (Feb 6).

SIS said that the policies could also be infringing the rights of non-Muslim communities as they restrict them from freely practicing their faith and celebrating their traditions.