REACTIONS TO U-TURN
The government’s turnaround has been lauded by different groups.
Tan Hoe Chieow, president of the Malaysian Consultative Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism and Taoism, believes that the Cabinet decision seeks to maintain Malaysia’s religious harmony.
“That’s a very important decision by the Cabinet,” he added, as quoted by news outlet The Star.
Federation of Chinese Associations Malaysia (Huazong) president T.C Goh said the proposed guidelines would have significant impact on the non-Muslim community.
“Such proposals, especially those involving racial and religious sensitivities, should not be unilaterally announced by departments or agencies, as this risks public uproar,” said Goh, as quoted by The Star.
He also urged ministers to base parliamentary responses on approved policies, particularly on sensitive matters, and criticised the practice of announcing policies before Cabinet approval, calling it procedurally inappropriate.
Responding to Anwar’s announcement, civil society group G25, made up of prominent retired Malay civil servants, said that it strongly opposes the development of any guidelines – advisory or not.
“They are unnecessary, impractical and counterproductive to national unity,” the Star quoted it as saying.
“Such guidelines will have implications on non-Muslim houses of worship organising social or cultural activities, risking fanning fears of overreach into non-Muslim religious affairs.
“Malaysians, including Muslims, are fully capable of exercising our own judgement.”
However, some politicians on both sides of the aisle have questioned the government’s U-turn.
Akmal Saleh, youth chief of the United Malays National Organisation which is part of the ruling coalition, disagreed with Anwar that the guidelines are unnecessary.
“These guidelines are meant as a reference, not because people are ignorant, but because sometimes we forget, and this serves as a reminder,” he said in a Facebook post.
He added that when it comes to guidelines which apply only to Muslims, there is no need for non-Muslims to be involved.
“Simple as that.”
Similarly, youth chief of opposition party Parti Islam Se-Malaysia (PAS) Afnan Hamimi Taib Azamudden has questioned the government’s flip-flop, saying that it raises concerns over the government’s commitment to upholding the National Fatwa Council’s decisions as well as Islam’s position as the religion of the federation.
“PAS Youth believes that Islam, as the religion of the federation, must be fully respected in all government policies and actions,” he said in a statement, as reported by news platform Malaysiakini.
“We urge that this issue be given serious attention to ensure the sovereignty of Islam is preserved while maintaining national harmony.”
