Chin criticised the proposal, which would require event organisers to
obtain approval from religious authorities for Muslim participation in
non-Muslim events, funerals, and celebrations held in houses of worship. He asserted that such regulations go too far for Sarawak and Sabah.
“I rarely call on Sabah and Sarawak political leaders to act
immediately, but this proposal crosses the line for us in Borneo,” he
said in a statement today.
He stressed that Sarawak and Sabah have long embraced multiracial
harmony, where people of different faiths interact freely—an integral
part of Borneo’s identity.
“Now is the time to defend our identity. This is not the moment for a
‘wait and see’ approach. If these rules are implemented, it will be too
late,” he warned.
Chin urged political leaders in Sarawak and Sabah to reject the
guidelines outright, stating they are unacceptable to the people of
Borneo. “It is time for GPS, GRS, and all Borneo MPs to take a stand.
Sabahans and Sarawakians must speak in unison to the Prime Minister and
Cabinet.
“We choose you to protect our identity, beliefs, and values. One of
our core principles is maintaining our multiracial harmony and
preventing division. Please do your job,” he urged.
During yesterday’s (Feb 5) parliamentary sitting as reported by
various national dailies, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department
(Religious Affairs) Senator Datuk Dr Mohd Na’im Mokhtar explained that
the revised guidelines aim to prevent incidents that could be sensitive
to Muslims.
He stated that updates to the existing rules would be finalised by
the Muzakarah Committee of the National Council for Islamic Religious
Affairs (MKI) by the end of the month.
According to a written response to Muhammad Fawwaz Mohamad Jan
(PN-Permatang Pauh), the proposed guidelines prohibit activities such as
speeches, singing, or pamphlet distribution that propagate other
religions, as well as performances that insult or belittle Islamic
beliefs.
Events must also not be held near mosques, suraus, Muslim cemeteries,
or land donated for religious purposes (wakaf).
Additionally, events
should not coincide with Muslim prayer times, including Friday prayers. —
DayakDaily
