Hindu Associations Oppose New Guidelines on Muslim Participation in Non-Muslim Worship, Recall Agong’s Thaipusam Temple Visit

Two prominent Hindu devotees’ associations have raised objections to a proposal introduced by Na’im Mokhtar, the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs). The proposal aims to establish new guidelines for events involving Muslims at non-Muslim places of worship, sparking controversy and concerns within the Hindu community.

The Malaysian Hindu Temples & Religious Associations Council (Mahima) highlighted that His Majesty Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar had personally attended events at non-Muslim places of worship. They emphasized that the King’s participation demonstrated a spirit of inclusivity and mutual respect among Malaysia’s diverse religious communities. Mahima further pointed out that such interactions have long been a part of the nation’s multicultural fabric, fostering harmony and understanding.

“The minister should recall that in 2019, His Majesty Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar personally attended the Johor state-level Thaipusam celebration at the Arulmigu Thendayuthapani Temple.”

Malaysia Hindu Sangam (MHS) expressed that the government failed to consult important stakeholders, such as religious organizations and civil society groups, before announcing the new guidelines.

“The Malaysian Department of Islamic Development (Jakim) has a primary responsibility to oversee Islamic affairs and provide guidance to the Muslim community. It is unnecessary and excessive for Jakim to extend its authority over non-Muslims in this way. If there are concerns about Muslims participating in non-Muslim events, it should be the responsibility of Muslims to seek guidance, not for non-Muslims to face added layers of bureaucracy,” MHS stated in a press release yesterday.

Malaysia Hindu Sangam questioned whether non-Muslims would now be required to seek approval for Muslims to attend funerals, weddings, or cultural celebrations. The organization stated that expecting bureaucratic clearance for a Muslim to pay their final respects to a friend or colleague was both unreasonable and insensitive.

They further emphasized that such restrictions would only create unnecessary barriers, undermining the goodwill and mutual respect that Malaysians have fostered over the years. Urging the government to engage religious and community leaders in meaningful discussions, they called for proper consultation before implementing any policy that impacts interfaith interactions.

The objections raised by these Hindu organizations highlight growing concerns over the potential impact of the proposed guidelines on Malaysia’s interfaith harmony. They argue that imposing bureaucratic restrictions on interfaith interactions could strain the nation’s long-standing tradition of mutual respect and understanding.

Source: Malay Mail, Malaysia Kini