COMMENT | My heartfelt apologies to my Muslim friends, as they will no longer be invited to functions - which are sometimes held in a temple - for their own good and peace of mind or they might be hounded by the law.

They should not get into trouble for being “colour” blind just because they want to share their joy on an auspicious occasion with my family and me.

Although I am not bound by any guidelines or the diktat of the Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim) or any other religious body, the religious affairs minister, Na’im Mokhtar, said that I must obtain the views of the Islamic religious authorities before a celebration is held if the invitation involves Muslims.

In Parliament yesterday, Na’im announced new proposed guidelines for Muslims attending events in non-Islamic houses of worship.

In a written response to Pokok Sena MP Ahmad Saad Yahaya, Na’im also said that such events must not be coupled with activities that “could offend the sensitivities of Muslims” if they are to attend.