Unwarranted religious overreach undermines govt By R Nadeswaran

Malaysiakini : COMMENT | My heartfelt apologies to my Muslim friends, as they will no longer be invited to functions - which are sometimes held in a temple - for their own good and peace of mind or they might be hounded by the law.

They should not get into trouble for being “colour” blind just because they want to share their joy on an auspicious occasion with my family and me.

Although I am not bound by any guidelines or the diktat of the Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim) or any other religious body, the religious affairs minister, Na’im Mokhtar, said that I must obtain the views of the Islamic religious authorities before a celebration is held if the invitation involves Muslims.

In Parliament yesterday, Na’im announced new proposed guidelines for Muslims attending events in non-Islamic houses of worship.

In a written response to Pokok Sena MP Ahmad Saad Yahaya, Na’im also said that such events must not be coupled with activities that “could offend the sensitivities of Muslims” if they are to attend.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Na’im Mokhtar

The minister listed examples, including speeches or songs in the form of propaganda and the distribution of religious pamphlets, performances or speeches that insult or mock Islamic religious beliefs, and carrying out the event during Muslim prayer times.

Thosai : Successive blunders my ministers in this ruling government brings to mind the saying, "When a clown moves into the palace, he doesn't become a king. The palace becomes a circus!"

drkam : We need something as powerful as Musk’s DOPE to blast Jakim into another dimension—because with a whopping RM1.9 billion budget in 2024, taxpayers are still wondering what exactly they’re getting in return!

ScarletPanda9731 : I am Chinese. I eat pork but do not drink beer. I do not criticise beer drinkers. I respect their wish to drink. Hope they will respect my wish to eat pork.  I am a Christian but I go to a Buddish temple and Hindu temple. I respect other religions.. They cannot convert me; and I have no intention to convert them.

Obviously, I have no desire to kidnap them. Also, they have no right to kidnap me. I wish to be happy I also want them to be happy in their own ways. I do not cross the RED LINE. They. too. Must NOT Cross the RED line.. The world will be happy and peaceful, if we go our own ways, respecting religions. races, cultures, festivals, royalty.

All must follow the law. Everybody is under the SAME law. Offenders must be fined or jailed or both. Justice is for all; NO DOUBLE STANDARDS. NO leeway. An offence is an offence. That is the law. It applies to Prince and Pauper. A leader must be FIRM, UPRIGHT and FAIR NO allowance for the corrupted. The law must take its course. If he cannot. he should RESIGN. gracefully

OCT : This Naim seems to be a trouble maker. He thinks he is smart to introduce guidelines to foster better understanding but in reality these guidelines are imposing restrictions for integration among the races and religions.

This is not the first time that Naim has caused confusion as last year he had tried to introduce a similar guidelines which backfired upon him. He didn't get clearance from the cabinet. He is causing uneasiness, panic and fear among the races and religions.

Malaysians have lived for umpteen years without any guidelines and they are so happy. It seems Malaysia is the only multi racial, multi religions and secular country that the Govt introduces guidelines for its citizens. Don't we have any better things to do?

Let the Malaysians celebrate the diversity, happiness and joy with each other rather than each religion and race celebrate its own custom, festivals and celebrations. The Govt shouldn't drive Malaysians apart but make amend to unite them. The VMY has the tag line Malaysia is a truly Asean but the Govt do otherwise.

Naim shouldn't be announcing any guidelines for race and religions without consulting the cabinet. This won't be his last time too. Let's hope the cabinet meeting will take note on the views of all Malaysians. There is no real benefits in introducing these new guidelines except causing alarm.

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