SHAH ALAM, February 13 — The Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, has strongly opposed the introduction of new guidelines regulating Muslim attendance at non-Muslim celebrations, particularly in Selangor. He emphasized that such proposals could undermine religious harmony at a time when Malaysians are working towards strengthening national unity.
The Sultan reaffirmed that concerns over Muslims’ faith being compromised are unfounded, as he believes they are capable of distinguishing right from wrong while respecting their religious boundaries. He also reiterated the importance of religious tolerance in Malaysia’s multi-religious society while upholding Islam as the religion of the federation.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has also dismissed the need for such guidelines, stating that Muslims already understand and respect religious boundaries. A joint statement by Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Na’im Mokhtar and National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang further affirmed that all policies must prioritize national unity and receive Cabinet approval.
This comes after Na’im’s earlier Parliamentary statement indicating that new guidelines were being considered, including requiring approval from religious authorities for Muslim participation in events at non-Muslim houses of worship.
