‘If we want to ensure peace and harmony in this country, we must look after everyone,' says Prime Minster Anwar Ibrahim
The Malaysian Cabinet dismissed the notion Saturday of designing guidelines for Muslims attending non-Muslim celebrations or ceremonies, according to the Kuala Lumpur-based Bernama News Agency.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said Islam is the official religion but Malaysia is a multi-religious country and the interests of all religious communities must be secured.
“If we want to ensure peace and harmony in this country, we must look after everyone,” he said, adding that he thinks there is no need for guidelines as “Muslims already know their boundaries.”
Anwar said it was the final decision of the Cabinet.
The Sultan of the west coast state of Selangor also expressed strong opposition to the proposal, according to a statement from the Selangor Royal Office.
Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah added that as a multi-race and multi-religion country, Malaysia needs religious tolerance and harmony.
Initially, the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia was developing a set of guidelines for Muslims participating in non-Muslim celebrations or ceremonies according to proper etiquette and Islamic faith.
