KUCHING: Sarawak should not be subject to the proposed guidelines by the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM) on Muslim participation in non-Muslim religious and cultural events, said Deputy Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts Sarawak, Datuk Snowdan Lawan.
Snowdan, who is also Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) Youth chief, emphasised the state has long upheld religious freedom as enshrined in the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
“One of the 18 Points outlined in the agreement states that Sarawak shall have religious freedom and that it does not have an official religion.
“Our forefathers included this as a key condition when forming Malaysia because they understood Sarawak’s unique societal structure— one that is deeply diverse in race, belief systems, culture, customs, and religions. They foresaw the importance of protecting this diversity,” he said in a statement.
JAKIM is reportedly in the final stages of drafting guidelines on Muslim participation in non-Muslim religious festivities, including funeral rites and visits to places of worship.
These guidelines also reportedly to address activities deemed to “offend” Muslim sensitivities, including religious speeches, songs, the distribution of religious materials, and performances that may be perceived as mocking Islamic beliefs.
However, Snowdan believes that such guidelines do not align with Sarawak’s values of religious tolerance, mutual respect, and inclusivity.
He stressed that the state has a long history of interfaith harmony, where people of all backgrounds freely celebrate occasions such as Christmas, Hari Raya, Gawai Dayak, Chinese New Year, and Pesta Kaul together.
“In Sarawak, participation in these celebrations is a normal part of daily life. It is a reflection of our strong tradition of intermarriages, mutual respect, and understanding of each other’s beliefs.
“These interactions do not weaken faith, but rather strengthen our bonds as a society,” he said.
Snowdan further noted that religious tolerance in Sarawak extends to times of bereavement, where it is customary for friends and family of different faiths to attend funeral rites held in churches, longhouses, and funeral parlors.
“Visiting and sharing in these moments —especially during bereavement — is an act of empathy and solidarity, not an attempt to undermine anyone’s faith,” he added.
He expressed concern that implementing such guidelines nationwide could lead to a more divided society, eroding the social fabric that holds communities together.
“If anything, such guidelines lean toward segregating humanity rather than fostering it. Faith is no longer something personal and meaningful, but rather something imposed and manipulated,” he said.
