Subscribe to our Telegram channel for the latest stories and updates.

The Malaysia Consultative Council of Islamic Organisations (Mapim) has expressed regret at some Malays, which they deemed as having participated in the religious rituals of others.

Mapim president said Azmi Abdul Hamid said a video of Malay Muslim children marching and chanting together in other religious processions had been going viral.

He claimed the incident in the video is said to have happened in Penang recently.

The legitimacy of whether they are Muslim or not needs to be investigated. However, it appears that the marchers are veiled Malay children and teenagers. If it is true that they are Muslims, we regret that their parents did not prohibit them from doing such acts.

Mapim president Azmi Abdul Hamid on why the matter needs to be investigated.

He said parents might think it is a festive cultural event that all communities of various religions can celebrate.

However, it must be corrected as they might not understand Islamic law or be ignorant about deliberately mixing Islam with other religions.

Mapim president Azmi Abdul Hamid. (Pix: Mapim)

Redefining Religious Tolerance 

Azmi also called on religious authorities to investigate the incident, so it does not happen again.

He added that those involved in the incident, and society as a whole, need to be educated.

He said they must understand the limits of religion in Islam and not do something based on their assumptions.

We propose that the understanding of the meaning of tolerance in religion that is outside the law needs to be corrected. We suggest a clear guide issued as a reference for the community to avoid confusion.

Mapim president Azmi Abdul Hamid on religious tolerance that do not conflict with Islam.

Meanwhile, some netizens had also expressed regret about Malay Muslims joining Thaipusam rituals.

The problem is not new, as similar concerns have also been raised in previous years.

At the same time, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs), Datuk Dr Mohd Na’im Mokhtar, advised Muslims not to get involved or participate in Thaipusam celebrations.

He said Muslims are prohibited from participating in non-Islamic religious celebration rituals because it is against the principles of the Islamic faith.

Nevertheless, some Malay Muslims shared their positive experience of mingling with other Malaysians during Thaipusam, which happened recently.

Among them is TikTok user @faridmaulud who took the opportunity to help cook vegetarian dishes during Thaipusam.

Farid, a youth parliamentarian from Penang, said it reminded him what it feels like to live harmoniously in Malaysia. 

@faridmaulud Happy Thaipusam semua. #fyp #thaipusam2023 #yaaa #okok ♬ Pretty song that imaged a sleeping baby – Azuline

Netizens have also shared videos of Malaysians from other races joining the Thaipusam festivals, including the Chinese, some of whom are Hindus.

Share your thoughts with us via TRP’s Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.