KUCHING: The federal government’s proposed new guidelines on Muslim participation in non-Muslim celebrations have sparked concerns over their potential impact on racial and religious harmony, with critics warning they could deepen divisions within Malaysian society.
Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) Youth Central vice president Kelvin Hii said such guidelines, if implemented, would hinder national unity and aggravate existing religious and racial sensitivities.
He stressed that national policies should be universally applicable, yet the proposed regulations are entirely unsuitable for Sarawak, a state known for its multicultural and harmonious way of life.
“In recent years, racial and religious tensions in Malaysia have been escalating, with many national issues revolving around these two topics.
“Malaysia is known internationally for its multicultural and multi-religious identity, a unique trait that attracts foreign tourists who visit different cultural and religious sites to experience the diversity.
“If we fail to protect and preserve this inherent strength, Malaysia will lose its unique identity, leading to greater division and deepening social unrest,” he said in a statement.
Hii acknowledged that while Islam is the official religion of Malaysia, the country remains multi-religious, with non-Muslims having the right to practise their faith freely.
He stressed that maintaining mutual respect and understanding is crucial to ensuring that different communities can coexist peacefully without overstepping each other’s boundaries.
Pointing out that festivities and celebrations serve as crucial opportunities for Malaysians of different backgrounds to engage with one another, he said daily life often limits interactions beyond one’s immediate social circles.
Strict regulations governing participation in such events, he warned, could stifle these interactions and inadvertently discourage non-Muslims from inviting their Muslim friends to join their celebrations.
Hii stressed that the state thrives on inclusivity, where people of all backgrounds celebrate together, share meals, and form close-knit relationships across racial and religious lines.
“In Sarawak, friendships easily form across racial and religious lines, and many families even include members of different ethnic and religious backgrounds.
“These families continue to gather, embrace, and respect each other’s beliefs. If this new guideline is enforced, Sarawak should remain the last stronghold of true unity, preserving its social fabric from being damaged by such policies,” he lamented.
As such, he called on the government to reconsider the proposed guidelines, arguing that social harmony should not be dictated by regulations but nurtured through fundamental education.
He stressed the need to instil respect and tolerance in Malaysians from a young age to ensure long-term unity rather than short-term compliance.
