In harmony: Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah with Tengku Permaisuri Selangor Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin and other leaders joining in the tossing of Yee Sang at Fo Guang Shan Dong Zen Temple in Jenjarom during the recent Selangor Chinese New Year Celebration 2025. — SHAARI CHEMAT/The Star

THE senior Malay Rulers have again risen the occasion, assuring rational Malaysians that they play a crucial and significant role in ensuring religious moderation in this country.

It is most unfortunate that many of our politicians prefer to play safe by remaining silent or make things worse by stoking negative religious and racial narratives when it comes to controversial issues. Both these approaches do not help Malaysia.

Thus it is most encouraging that the Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah spoke up against the proposed guidelines for Muslims attending non-Muslim events, which would have affected his state if eventually adopted.

His Royal Highness said the proposals created uneasiness among the people and disrupted harmony at a time when Malaysians were striving to strengthen national unity.

To walk the talk, the Selangor Ruler attended Chinese New Year celebrations at the Fo Guang Shan Dong Zen Temple in Jenjarom, Selangor. When he signed the commemorative plaque at the temple, Tuanku was flanked by monks and guests.

In a statement released hours before the visit, the Ruler said he believed Muslims were aware of the religious boundaries of their faith and would not be easily influenced as they could discern between good and bad.

Most Malaysians, regardless of their faith, would ensure that their fellow Malaysians would feel comfortable when serving food or drinks at festivals.

It is a given that non-Muslims would ensure that food for Muslims adhere to halal standards while beef is kept away to ensure Hindus can join in and enjoy the food, for example.

Two years ago, His Royal Highness and his son, Raja Muda Tengku Amir Shah, visited the house of the Bishop of the Anglican Church in Sarawak and Brunei, the Right Reverend Datuk Danald Jute. A series of photos were posted showing Sultan Sharafuddin touring the historic Bishop’s House including the library and the chapel. This was widely reported in the Sarawak media.

In 2022, the then Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustaffa Billah Shah and Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Hajjah Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah attended the state funeral of Queen Elizabeth II at London’s Westminster Abbey, together with other Muslim leaders.

We ordinary people have always attended funerals or wakes to bid goodbye to people we have known – friends, colleagues, or family members.

It’s the decent and proper thing to do as human beings. We do not expect Muslims to take part in non-Muslim rituals, and vice-versa at such moments.

As a Christian, I have politely declined to use the joss sticks at wakes of Taoists but I bowed to show my respect to the deceased. I have also lost count of the number of times I was present at Muslim burials.

No one has questioned the presence of Muslims at non-Muslim festivals, including religious ones, but for sure they are not expected to take part in rituals, which would be wrong.

In 2023, the Sultan of Johor, Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar, attended a luncheon in conjunction with Thaipusam at the Arulmigu Sri Bala Subramaniar Temple in Skudai, Johor.

The post on his Facebook included photos showing the Ruler being welcomed by a huge crowd of devotees at the temple and garlanded by a member of the temple committee.

Just before that, the Johor Islamic religious committee issued a fatwa prohibiting Muslims from attending and taking part in religious rituals of other faiths in the state.

The committee said Sultan Ibrahim had consented to the fatwa, which came into effect on Feb 2. Later the same day, the Ruler said the fatwa did not conflict with interfaith values of tolerance, unity, and understanding as espoused under the “Bangsa Johor” concept.

He clarified that it only prohibits Muslims from taking part in rituals of other religions “but they can still attend festive events of other faiths’’.

Sultan Ibrahim has also in the past attended the annual Chingay procession of the century-old Johor Ancient Temple, which is part of the Chinese New Year celebrations in the state.

The Chingay parade has been a cultural event of the Chinese community in Johor since 1870, and has become one of the symbols of the Bangsa Johor spirit that celebrates the diversity of religions and cultures in the state.

The Sultan of Perak has also consistently spoken about the middle path of moderation in Islam. Sultan Nazrin Shah has said that efforts to foster unity have become even more critical now to counter voices that provoke the people’s emotions in the name of ethnicity or religion, adding that voices that fuel hostility, if left unchecked, had the potential to poison the minds of the people, leading to conflicts, frictions, and divisions.

“After almost 66 years of gaining independence, it is crucial for citizens not to be swayed by hostile voices that can cause disputes,’’ HRH said in a lecture in 2023.

Most politicians have let Malaysians down, allowing political theologians to become an increasingly divisive force, using religion to justify their agenda.

Only our Rulers can tell them off. They are the heads of Islam in their respective states, and their role empowers them to oversee Islamic affairs, ensuring that religious practices and policies align with the principles of moderation and harmony.

Their authority helps prevent extremist interpretations of Islam from gaining traction, as they can influence religious institutions and policies.

Malaysians, especially non-Muslims, regard the Rulers as unifying figures who transcend political and ethnic divisions. Their involvement in religious matters has helped maintain a balanced approach, ensuring that Islam is practised in a way that promotes national unity and social cohesion.

By consistently advocating for moderation, as Sultan Nazrin has done, they help bridge differences between various religious and ethnic groups in multicultural Malaysia.

Whether it is through their speeches, statements, or mere presence at events hosted by the other faiths, the Malay Rulers play a critical role in promoting a moderate and progressive understanding of Islam.

Their constant pronouncements against radical ideologies and emphasis on the importance of peace, tolerance, and mutual respect helps to counteract the spread of extremist narratives that could threaten Malaysia’s social harmony.

While many would like to see more Rulers speaking up, it is sufficiently comforting that the key Rulers have helped maintain a balanced and harmonious approach to Islam, which is essential for Malaysia’s diverse and pluralistic society.

It is common sense that we want to see more Malaysians of various races, religions, and cultures come together and appreciate our differences and similarities, and not find ways to keep us away from each other.

Colourful celebration: Visitors at the annual Fo Guang Shan Dong Zen Temple CNY Lantern and Floral Festival in Jenjarom, Selangor. — CHAN TAK KONG/The Star

IT’S good that the Cabinet has put its foot down and said no to the proposed guidelines for the involvement of Muslims at non-Muslim events. Had they been adopted, approval from religious authorities to attend funerals and celebrations would be required, among other things.

The statement by the Prime Minister was clear: There is no need for guidelines for Muslims visiting non-Muslim houses of worship or events.

He stated that Muslims are already aware of religious guidelines for visiting these sites, particularly about not participating in non-Muslim prayers.

And Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim chose to emphasise his point by visiting Batu Caves Temple on Friday, ahead of the Thaipusam celebrations there on Tuesday.

An earlier joint statement by Senator Datuk Dr Mohd Na’im Mokhtar and Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Dagang was not explicit enough, although they had spelt out that the guidelines are advisory in nature and not policy.

The Cabinet had decided every policy formulated must consider national unity, and must first get its approval.

In short, without saying more, Na’im’s proposed guidelines have been canned. While there was some good advice given to ensure no religious sensitivity complications, there were also impractical guidelines that, unfortunately, led to a backlash.

This is the second gaffe that the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) has made that put the Madani government in an awkward position.

Barely five months ago, the Cabinet rejected a proposal to make halal certification mandatory for restaurants and food companies that do not serve pork or alcohol following Jakim’s idea of making halal certification a requirement for these restaurants. Jakim is the federal government agency that administers Islamic affairs in Malaysia.

The proposal, which was also announced by Na’im, led to an uproar, with Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi having to step in to say that non-Muslim business operators could not and should not be forced to obtain halal certification.

In both cases, Anwar ended up on the receiving end of criticisms, which is unfair since this was a minister’s oversight that had nothing to do with the PM.

Many even think that Na’im is a PKR Member of Parliament when in actual fact he is a senator and not even a PKR member. Worse, it was as though the proposal came from the PM and his government.

Na’im’s blunders have been politically damaging to the PM and the Madani government, as many ordinary citizens do not understand that all religious matters are under the purview of the Rulers. The PM has no power or authority to decide on the proposals made by Na’im in the first place.

When Na’im was appointed the Minister for Religious Affairs by the PM in 2022, there was a sense of relief.

It was felt that the post should be held by a non-politician, and a legal scholar with impeccable credentials.

Na’im is a former lecturer, lawyer, and Syariah Court judge who studied at the International Islamic University before obtaining a Masters in Law from the University of London, and a PhD in Syariah from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia.

He has also been a visiting fellow at the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies at Oxford University and at Harvard Law School.

Na’im was a refreshing change from the previous person in the post, PAS ideologue Idris Ahmad who was known for hardline views. The Terengganu MP had consistently pushed for hudud laws and the setting up of an Islamic State.

His objections against the staging of the Japanese cultural festival Bon Odori in 2022 earned him a rebuke from His Royal Highness, the Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, who warned him not to use Jakim to make “confusing and inaccurate statements’’.

It is understood that the Rulers welcomed the appointment of Na’im as they, too, had lost their trust in a politician minister for religious affairs.

They believed Na’im would be able to bring forward the religious agenda in the context of modern Malaysia.

But instead, he has been placing the Madani government in difficult spots because of his premature statements.

Last week, he announced the proposed guidelines aimed at outlining the participation of Muslims at non-Muslims events, including celebrations. Under the guidelines, there can be no songs or speeches with religious “propaganda” or performances that may insult Muslims.

Organisers of these events would have to seek permission from relevant authorities and the views of Islamic agencies when inviting Muslims for events at a non-Muslim house of worship.

Questions were immediately raised about whether Muslims, including MPs, could pay their last respects at funeral homes or places of worship as a result of such guidelines.

In fact, there are many non-Muslims who have close family members who are Muslims, so this certainly caused confusion.

Do lawmakers then need to get approval from religious authorities to attend Christmas functions or Thaipusam, a Hindu religious affair, and can they approve such requests in the first place?

The guidelines also specified that the events must not be held too close to a surau, mosque, Muslim cemetery, or wakaf (endowment) land, and that the premises should not contain non-Islamic religious symbols.

In his written reply to PAS MP Muhammad Fawwaz Mohamed Jan (Permatang Pauh-PN), Na’im said the guidelines were being updated to prevent incidents which could touch on the sensitivities of Muslims.

Certainly, his intentions seem good and aimed at preventing any untoward incidents, particularly involving the Islamic faith, but Na’im had obviously not thought the guidelines through as Malaysia is a multiracial and multi-religious country.

Perhaps he is not politically savvy, or has forgotten that the Madani government is not a PAS government.

But the question is why was there a need for Na’im to provide so many details – all of which are merely proposed – to an MP from the Opposition when the guidelines have not even been finalised at the Majlis Kebangsaan Islam (MKI) meeting scheduled to be held between Feb 25 and Feb 27.

The MKI, or National Council for Islamic Affairs, is chaired by His Royal Highness the Sultan of Perak, Sultan Nazrin Raja Azlan Shah.

By his own admission, Na’im reportedly said, “These guidelines are still being deliberated with the engagement of the relevant Islamic authorities that include the State Islamic Religious Councils”.

Following the backlash, Na’im appealed to all quarters not to create misunderstandings by polemicising this issue “to the point of causing public unrest because the underlying purpose of developing these guidelines is noble’’.

Certainly, many of these proposals would be respected by Malaysians of all faiths, but some need further deliberation for practical reasons.

While Na’im has repeatedly said these are proposed guidelines, many have interpreted that to mean these are proposed laws, although guidelines are only advisory in nature. These are serious religious matters.

The most pressing question is whether our leaders, including officials and ministers, are aligned with the Prime Minister’s principles and the vision of the Madani government.

If not, they should leave honourably and join the Opposition.

Over the weekend, Anwar set up good optics by visiting Batu Caves, while last night, the Sultan of Selangor attended a Chinese New Year celebration at the Fo Guan Shan Dong Zen Temple in Klang.

These are positive signs for Malaysia and surely speak volumes for national unity even as some attempt to put up stumbling blocks.

A man for all seasons: The PMX, here speaking in the ‘A Conversation with Anwar Ibrahim’ session at the World Economic Forum in Davos, has worked tirelessly to convince his overseas listeners why Malaysia should be the preferred destination for investments. — Bernama

THE past one year has been good for Malaysia, with enough statistics to show it.

The ringgit has grown stronger, we have sound economic growth, strategic positioning in global supply chains, solid initiatives, and regional cooperation as we increasingly align with Singapore through efforts like the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone.

Malaysia also has robust financial management through Bank Negara Malaysia with stable monetary management.

These combinations of factors have contributed to Malaysia’s commendable economic performance.

But Malaysians also have short memories. We have almost forgotten that we had four prime ministers in a short span of time at one point.

The current Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, has been keeping a steady hand on the tiller despite continuous criticisms from his detractors.

He has worked tirelessly to compete for investments. Certainly, his persuasive skills, charm, and international networking has helped a lot on these missions.

PMX has to convince his overseas listeners that Malaysia should be the preferred destination for investments.

It is interesting that in the Indonesian media – whether mainstream or social media – they have been incessantly asking why Malaysia had been picked over Indonesia in many instances.

Despite claims that PMX’s government has turned authoritarian, the fact that critics could “wallop” the premier without any consequences proves otherwise.

Some from the legal fraternity have continuously criticised him but concealed the fact that they had represented his political opponents or could still receive retention fees.

During the Chinese New Year gatherings, one of the most frequent topics was China’s ability to produce the low-cost AI chatbot, DeepSeek. China deliberately chose to unveil this latest AI model during the Spring Festival celebrations.

Then there was the humanoid robot dance on China Central Television’s Chinese New Year Eve gala show, which has an audience of over 780 million in China annually.

The country has done well because it has remained focused.

Despite the many restrictions placed on Chinese technology companies, it has managed to find a way around them somehow.

There is no time wasted on political squabbles. There is no room for debates or dissension.

Malaysia, on the other hand, struggles with unending political issues with a seeming lack of focus on long-term development.

Politicians have stepped up efforts to play up race and religion issues because they believe a general election could be held next year or by 2027, the latest possible date to hold elections.

So we have politicians drumming up the perception that Malays – the predominant voters – are under siege.

Sponsored social media portals and podcasts hosts have become increasingly louder and critical.

It doesn’t help that some DAP leaders, usually the prime target, also scored own goals without thinking thoroughly before opening their mouths. Their brash statements are easily manipulated by their opponents.

Looking at the politics taking place, unless the components of the unity government can carve out an agreement for the next general election, we may see another round of components contesting against each other.

The last thing Malaysia needs is a repeat of shifting alliances and party-hopping, leading to instability.

Investors have begun to pick Malaysia over Indonesia and Thailand because we are finally seen as politically stable.

Likewise, Malaysia has gained more China tourists during the CNY period compared with Thailand because of our neighbour’s lack of stability.

It is further helped by the visa-free policy, great culinary appeal, pro-environment attractions, and Malaysians’ multilingual ability, including of course cultural familiarity.

A report in Tour and Travel World dated Jan 29 said many China tourists ditched Thailand for Malaysia.

It said Thailand lost out because of safety concerns following high profile cases of Chinese visitors being kidnapped.

The report said Malaysia saw a 79.2% rise in the number of Chinese visitors, many of whom said they felt welcomed in Malaysia.

So it really doesn’t help if myopic politicians continue taking potshots at mighty China and its nationals.

Fortunately, the relationship between Malaysia and China has reached a mature enough level to withstand these irritants.

Malaysia has many good things ahead of us, we can’t afford to be diverted from governance and implemented policies.

For sure, we still haven’t woken up to the fact that ethnic and religious politics are being exploited by some politicians who use them as tools to gain support and not focus on economic and structural reforms.

Political discourse is often about minor and inconsequential issues, which are amplified for no good reason.

Political manoeuvring and theatrics are allowed to dominate the news instead of real issues such as economic competitiveness and innovations.

Then there are weak institutional frameworks where corruption, money politics, and the lack of strong independent institutions allow politicians to prioritise personal and party interests over national development.

Worse, we have politicians who defend the corrupt.

In every election, populist short-term actions are promised, often in the form of subsidies, and handouts, giving the impression that many policies are designed to win elections rather than to ensure sustainable growth.

Many of these handouts, including bonuses, seriously affect our national coffers.

This is perhaps a political reality where the means must justify the ends. But for Malaysia to move forward, to achieve high-income aspirations, we cannot afford inconsistent, flip-flop policies and perceived slow reform efforts.

With a little less than two years to go before the next general election must be held, we can be sure that the national economic agenda will be disrupted by unproductive political rhetoric.

Unfortunately, those who push the race and religion issues, often the worst of the political lot, will continue dominating the headlines.

Malaysia’s strength is the moderate, diverse, and progressive make-up of her wonderful people.

For sure, we cannot allow anyone advocating a theocratic state to be voted in.

We can quarrel over the unity government but the other option is terrifying.

We can’t afford to send the wrong message to the world – and very much to the glee of our neighbouring competitors.

Harith’s comment on social media about the recent “ham and cheese” controversy has led to an uproar. —LOW LAY PHON/The Star

IT’S no laughing matter when police reports are lodged against a stand-up comedian like Harith Iskander or when a cartoonist like Fahmi Reza ends up in lock-up while under remand.

It gets even less funny when Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri issues a warning about making jokes that “cross the line”.

Thankfully, she clarified later that the law that punishes obscene jokes is not aimed at comedy as a form of entertainment, but cited those who used words or gestures that insult a person’s modesty.

It’s good that Nancy clarified what she said as earlier reports had many comics worried. Even ordinary Malaysians were worried – some asked on social media if we had lost the plot and were no longer tolerant of humour.

We should ask ourselves if the bar of tolerance has dropped further. Malaysians should not be allowed to be subjected to people who can’t wait to pounce on stand-up comedians over the slightest utterance.

But more importantly, the thinking majority should not just keep silent and cower down.

By right, the ones who should be losing sleep are the serial jokers in Parliament who are known for their distasteful sexist remarks.

Ask Seputeh Member of Parliament Teresa Kok. She can probably compile a dossier of things said by these recalcitrant lawmakers.

Of course, comedians often have their targets, especially public figures and politicians, wriggling in embarrassment. But these are people who enjoy hogging the limelight; they cannot choose to bask only under a positive light.

It’s a price they have to pay for being celebrities.

Our police shouldn’t be too worried about these people, however powerful they may be.

Unfortunately, when someone makes a report, the police are required by law to investigate, but they really have better or more urgent things to do.

In a democracy, it is absurd – and ironical – to target humour which is simply a tool to question power, provoke thought, and provide relief when people are caught in what they believe are hopeless situations.

There is a caveat, though. Every stand-up comedian knows he cannot touch on the 3Rs – race, religion, and royalty.

No one can, not politicians, not journalists, and certainly not comedians.

When it comes to religion, it is best to stay away as it is sensitive. Not everyone shares the same sense of humour.

A remark by Harith on social media about the recent “ham and cheese” controversy has led to an uproar.

Stand up comics have always been skilful at tiptoeing around political issues, which in Malaysia happens to be mostly involving race and religion.

They have learnt to throw out the punchline while knowing where the fine line is drawn and the risks that come with crossing it. Most navigate it well and wisely chose to perform in the Klang Valley, where the audiences are more open-minded and appreciative.

I think we all know our comedians and satirists are not about to destabilise the country or any state or overthrow a leader. The only ones that politicians should worry about are their opponents – not comedians or cartoonists.

There is no law that prohibits one from embarrassing a person. If indeed a law is crossed, than the offended party can raise a defamation suit under civil laws. There is no crime involved.

Comedy and satire, however, does not mean slandering and defaming people. If you call a person a liar, a corrupt person or a thief without being able to prove it, then you have to face the consequences. That is not freedom of speech.

But Malaysia does not have an “Anti-Laughter Act”.

Thank God, though, that we have not come to a stage where powerful people can no longer tolerate comedians. Most lawmakers sportingly accept parodies and do not rush to make police reports.

In fact, making police reports for frivolous reasons should be made an offence. It’s an abuse of a privilege. There are people in this country who suffer from the inane addiction of making police reports. Most are probably lackeys following orders.

The police shouldn’t be burdened with having to decide whether jokes are funny, dangerous, explosive, or seditious. That’s not what they are trained for.

Neither is it the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry’s job to scan for nasty jokes.

The police or the ministry can’t be posting enforcement officers at every stand-up performance.

If there is a lesson to be learnt it is that restricting comedy often backfires and the very act of repression becomes an even bigger joke.

The real jokers are a few socially challenged politicians who have to rely on using race and religious issues, along with comical masculine posturing on social media to feed followers.

The problem really lies with these sneaky ones, or should I say Snakey ones?

We can expect plenty of these jokes during the Chinese New Year reunion dinners. So just chill.

Poor reputation: Hopefully, in this Year of the Snake, the amazing reptilians will avoid the bad press, at least for a year, says the writer. —123rf

WE will be ushering in the Year of the Snake soon. Unlike many other years in the Chinese zodiac, the reptile, for some reason, has a poor reputation.

It is often portrayed as dangerous and poisonous, even when some species do not even bite. The poor snakes even get blame for the traitorous acts of human beings even when it’s no fault of theirs.

Back stabbers and betrayers, for example, are dismissed as “snakes”. No one credits the ophidians for getting rid of pests and playing a crucial role in balancing the ecosystem.

Hopefully, in this Year of the Snake, they will avoid the bad press, at least for a year.

The political villains, however, are not likely to go anywhere. I can already smell the glee and excitement of the opportunistic, slithering kind.

With the likelihood of a state election in Sabah soon and talk of an early general election in 2026, although it needs to be held only the following year, we can expect venomous speeches this year.

Malaysians are used to those slimy kinds who eat, sleep, and spew race and religion.

But over the past few months, they have stooped to an all-time disgraceful low.

Despite all the warnings against the use of the 3Rs – race, religion and royalty – we haven’t really seen real, effective action taken against these serial offenders.

The only ones who get hauled up are the minnows who post silly missives on social media.

Really, most of us are sick of politicians with their masculine “jantan” posturing as they are nothing but intimidating bullies.

When it comes to real issues like fighting corruption, they are like mice, their manly assets suddenly lost.

It is only when they need publicity do they crawl out of their pits. We should remember them for what they are during the elections, even if they try to shed their old snake skin during campaigning.

We have to send a strong message that such old tactics of race and religion have no place in Malaysia.

After over 60 years of independence they are still cooking up fictitious and imaginary threats from fellow Malaysians to stoke insecurity.

Political snakes may bite now but soon, they will realise that they need the votes of every race, as the contest will be tight. The reality is no politician can win in Malaysia by banking on one community.

If they cannot be the champion of all Malaysians, then they don’t deserve the votes.

They can coil around us with their hypocritical and manipulative offensives but we should remind them of what they had said before.

We will need plenty of sulphur and other repellents during the campaign period.

They will put on their shiny armour, I mean, shiny reptilian scales, but be mindful. As the saying goes, be wary of snake-oil peddlers.

In the old Western movies, the native people would often say: “Beware of white men with forked tongue,” – yet another reference to snakes.

But let’s not be overly harsh on all politicians. It would be thoroughly unfair to generalise.

After all, according to Chinese astrology, those born in the Year of the Snake are charismatic, charming, wise, and with strong intuition.

They are said to think things through thoroughly and are good at understanding people. Certainly, these are the good traits of those born under this Chinese zodiac sign.

I believe many of our politicians have these qualities. There are many good ones who have sacrificed much for the country and people.

Unfortunately, it is the second- rated loud ones who grab the headlines with their gibberish.

In 2025, the voters of Sabah will have their first shot at these forked-tongued beasts.

Some Sabah politicians may suffer from trust issues but most are unlike the nasty hissing kind you find in the peninsula.

Race and religion do not sell in Sabah and Sarawak. Those who try will get hammered. They will instantly be chucked into the South China Sea!

Some have tried for decades to get elected in Sabah but the venomous green image fails to impress the level-headed Sabahans.

Let’s not even talk about Sarawak. They can’t even get past the immigration.

There’s a little over a week to the Chinese New Year, and it looks set to be different this time. Unlike the scorching hot weather in past years, it could be wet and cool this time.

But expect heavy traffic in most towns, as vehicles will be snaking through the highways and towns.

Well, we will all just have to wriggle along, too.