KUALA LUMPUR – MIC deputy president Datuk Seri M. Saravanan took a dig at the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na’im Mokhtar for his statement over the ministry’s proposals, which could potentially disrupt the unity among Malaysians.
In a statement today, Saravanan said that the minister should be sensitive and act responsibly in handling issues which crop up from time to time cordially – especially when it concerns race and religion.
“The unity government has always emphasised that matters pertaining to 3R (race, religion and royalty) should be kept low-key but what the minister seems to be doing is seeking political mileage by announcing something which is a mere proposal,” Saravanan stated.
Yesterday the religious affairs minister said that event organisers at non-Muslim houses of worship need to obtain the approval of Islamic authorities when inviting leaders or Muslims for festive events, funerals or any other event held in their premises.
These were among the updates to existing guidelines involving Muslims in such gatherings, to be finalised by the Muzakarah Committee of the National Council for Islamic Religious Affairs (MKI) end of the month.
The existing guidelines are contained under the Guidelines for Muslims Attending non-Muslim Festive Celebrations which were endorsed by MKI Fatwa Muzakarah Committee in 2005.
At the same time, Saravanan said that MIC is not politicising the issue, but is concerned over the proposed guideline which can harm the strong bond among various races in the country.
“What the minister said are not rumours or speculation but a proposal to the existing guidelines and this definitely does not augur well for the good of the nation.
“If this is the way the unity government and its ministers want to take, then they are bound to lose the support of the people may it be from Muslims or otherwise,” he said. – February 6, 2025