by AUFA MARDHIAH 

THE Cabinet has agreed that the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jakim) may provide advisory guidance to Muslims regarding participation in events held at non-Muslim places of worship.

However, it clarified that such advice does not constitute official policy.

In a statement today, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na’im Mokhtar (picture) and National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang acknowledged the confusion surrounding the proposed guidelines.

The matter was brought to discussion following inquiries from Muslims regarding invitations to events organised by non-Muslim communities that may contain religious elements.

“To provide guidance, Jakim initiated the development of these guidelines.

“However, considering the concerns raised among Malaysia’s multiracial and multi-religious society, the Cabinet has agreed that any guidance issued should be advisory and not form the basis of government policy,” the statement said.

The Cabinet also emphasised that any national policy must take unity into account and require Cabinet approval before implementation.

Concurrently, the National Unity Ministry will continue to strengthen interfaith engagement through the Dialogue Harmoni initiative, which aims to foster interaction among different religious communities.

“An inclusive discussion that considers the sensitivities of all groups is crucial for national cohesion.

“Therefore, matters related to interfaith harmony will be further deliberated in the Interfaith Harmony Committee (JK Harmoni) meeting scheduled this month,” the statement added.

The meeting will involve representatives from 24 religious groups, including Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, Christianity, Sikhism, Taoism and Baha’i.

Nevertheless, the government reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining Malaysia’s long-standing reputation as a model of unity and harmony.