Anwar ditches guidelines proposal for Muslims at non-Muslim events

He faced fierce public backlash, accusations of overreach over controversial idea

- Hazlin Hassan

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has backtracked from a controversial proposal to issue guidelines for Muslims who want to participate in non-Muslim events, saying his Cabinet has scrapped the idea following fierce backlash from various groups.

"There is no need (for the guidelines) because as Muslims, they should know" the dos and don'ts, Datuk Seri Anwar said on Feb 7, following the weekly Cabinet meeting.

"Like right now, I am here not to participate in any (Hindu) prayers," he told reporters as he visited the famous temple at Batu Caves in Selangor state, ahead of the Feb 11 Thaipusam celebration in the country.

The controversy had erupted after de facto Islamic Affairs Minister Na'im Mokhtar, in a written reply to Parliament on Feb 4, said the government was finalising new guidelines for Muslims attending events or celebrations held by non-Muslims, including those taking place at non-Muslim houses of worship, such as weddings and funerals.

Among others, event organisers would have to seek permission from the authorities and advice from the Islamic authorities if the event includes Muslims, Datuk Na'im told Parliament.

These events, too, must not contain elements that could offend Muslim sensitivities such as speeches or songs with religious content, or mock Islamic beliefs, he added.