Strengthening Unity Through Mutual Respect: A Call for Inclusive Harmony in Malaysia

Statement by Ts. Dr. Manivannan Rethinam, Chairman of Majlis Gagasan Malaysia on the Proposed Guidelines Restricting Muslim Participation in Non-Muslim Celebrations

As the Chairman of Majlis Gagasan Malaysia, an organisation dedicated to fostering unity and understanding among Malaysia’s diverse communities, we are deeply concerned by the proposed guidelines on Muslim participation in non-Muslim celebrations. These guidelines, outlined by Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Mohd Na’im Mokhtar, risk undermining Malaysia’s multicultural identity and social cohesion—values that have long been the foundation of our national unity.

The government is set to finalise these protocols during the 126th Meeting of the Muzakarah Committee of the National Council for Islamic Religious Affairs Malaysia (MKI) from February 25 to 27, 2025. Among the restrictions are prohibitions on speeches or performances deemed propagandistic, events held near mosques or waqf lands, and the display of religious symbols other than Islam at event venues. Organisers are also required to seek permission from Islamic authorities before inviting Muslims to such events.

While safeguarding Islamic values is important, it should not come at the expense of inclusivity and mutual respect. The proposed guidelines risk alienating non-Muslim communities and deepening societal divisions. In light of growing unease from various stakeholders, including lawmakers and civil society voices, we urge Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to intervene and ensure these guidelines are reconsidered or withdrawn entirely.

A Threat to Multicultural Harmony and National Unity

Malaysia’s strength lies in its diversity—a tapestry woven from different ethnicities, cultures, and religions. Celebrations such as Deepavali, Chinese New Year, and Christmas are more than religious observances; they are cultural milestones that bring Malaysians together. The proposed guidelines, by restricting Muslim participation, send a message of exclusion rather than inclusion.

Mandating the removal of religious symbols from event venues is particularly concerning. These symbols are intrinsic to places of worship and reflect the core beliefs of non-Muslim communities. Imposing such restrictions risks alienating these communities and undermining the mutual respect that has long characterised Malaysian society.

The Federal Constitution guarantees religious freedom under Article 11, ensuring all religions can be practised in peace and harmony. The proposed guidelines threaten this constitutional balance by creating unnecessary barriers to interfaith engagement. Furthermore, Malaysia’s international commitments—such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), which upholds religious freedom—could be seen as being compromised, potentially damaging the nation’s global standing.

Acts of solidarity, such as Muslim neighbours joining Deepavali celebrations or non-Muslims breaking fast with their Muslim friends during Ramadan, embody the spirit of national unity. These expressions of camaraderie should be encouraged, not restricted.

Imposing Unnecessary Bureaucracy and Control

One of the most concerning aspects of the proposed guidelines is the requirement for Muslims to seek permission from Islamic authorities before participating in non-Muslim events. This bureaucratic hurdle complicates interfaith interactions and places undue pressure on individuals to navigate complex regulations simply to engage with their fellow citizens.

Requiring Muslims to seek approval before attending funerals, for instance, could discourage acts of compassion and solidarity during times of grief. Funerals are moments when Malaysians of all faiths should be able to come together to support one another, regardless of religious differences.

Instead of fostering unity, these restrictions create unnecessary divisions. The government must recognise that true national harmony is built on trust, understanding, and organic social interactions—not rigid bureaucratic controls.

Encouraging Dialogue Over Restriction

While the guidelines aim to protect Muslim sensitivities, they may inadvertently create perceptions of exclusion among non-Muslim communities. The prohibition on displaying non-Islamic religious symbols at event venues reinforces a sense of separation rather than integration.

The lack of consultation with non-Muslim communities in drafting these guidelines reflects a broader issue of exclusivity in policymaking. Such an approach risks alienating minority communities and undermining trust in the government’s commitment to fostering a harmonious society.

Rather than imposing restrictive measures, we propose the establishment of interfaith dialogue platforms where religious leaders and community representatives can collaboratively develop guidelines that respect both Islamic principles and the cultural practices of non-Muslim communities. Such an approach would foster understanding and cooperation rather than division.

Broader Political, Social, and Economic Impact

The proposed guidelines could have far-reaching consequences beyond community relations. Economically, strained diplomatic relations with multicultural trade partners could arise if Malaysia is perceived as regressing on its commitment to inclusivity. Countries that value religious freedom and multiculturalism may view these guidelines as contradictory to Malaysia’s global image as a moderate Islamic nation.

Politically, the guidelines risk alienating non-Muslim support for the unity government at a time when national solidarity is paramount. Concerns raised by civil society groups, interfaith organisations, and political leaders highlight the widespread unease surrounding these measures. Such policies could also impact Malaysia’s reputation in global forums, where it has long been seen as a model of moderate Islam and multicultural harmony.

Strengthening Existing Frameworks

Malaysia has long prided itself on being a model of moderate Islam and multicultural harmony. However, these guidelines threaten to tarnish this reputation by promoting exclusivity over inclusivity. Policies that prioritise symbolic purity over practical coexistence risk portraying Malaysia as regressive and intolerant, potentially harming its global standing.

Ironically, the announcement of these guidelines coincides with World Interfaith Harmony Week, an initiative created by the United Nations to promote understanding and cooperation among religions. This timing underscores the disconnect between the government’s rhetoric on unity and its actions, which risk deepening divisions rather than fostering harmony.

The Guidelines for Muslims Attending Non-Muslim Festive Celebrations, formulated in 2005, already provide a robust framework for respectful interfaith engagement. Rather than introducing more rigid rules, we should build upon existing frameworks that promote understanding and cooperation. Education, open dialogue, and grassroots initiatives are far more effective in fostering harmony than restrictive policies that impose artificial divisions.

Conclusion: A Call to Prime Minister Anwar for Leadership

Majlis Gagasan Malaysia firmly rejects these proposed guidelines as impractical and detrimental to Malaysia’s unity. Our strength lies in our diversity, and any policy that seeks to diminish this richness does a disservice to our people.

We urge Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to intervene and ensure that these guidelines are reconsidered or withdrawn entirely. Malaysia must champion policies that encourage openness, tolerance, and progress—values that define us at our best. Only by fostering inclusivity and mutual respect can we truly uphold the ideals of unity and prosperity for all Malaysians.

About the Author

Ts. Dr. Manivannan Rethinam is a distinguished Professional Technologist and holds a Doctorate in Business Administration, with a focus on marketing and technology management. As the Chairman of Majlis Gagasan Malaysia, he is a fervent advocate for civil liberties and interfaith harmony. He is deeply committed to fostering compassion, justice, and unity as foundational values for building a more empathetic and inclusive society. His work reflects a steadfast belief in the power of dialogue and collaboration to bridge divides and create a better future for all.