In a statement, the DAP central executive committee member also said that such events must not be held in houses of worship or include religious rituals or practices.

“If it (the open house) is merely a social event, free of religious elements, then it is recommended.

“If it is aimed at promoting unity, then it is encouraged.”

Sheikh Umar also said that open houses were part of Malaysian culture and helped foster unity and strengthen the bonds within the country’s multiracial society.

The Johor DAP vice-chairman added that Islam encouraged interaction among the different faiths.

Yesterday, the Penang Islamic religious department (JHEAIPP) barred a temple association from hosting a Hari Raya Aidilfitri open house on grounds that the celebration was a Muslim religious activity.

In a letter dated March 31, JHEAIPP department director Marzuki Hassan said the department received a complaint from Persatuan Anak Jati Melayu over the Tean Hock Keong Association’s event.

The association said the open house was intended to “foster unity, strengthen ties of friendship, and reinforce harmony in the local community”.

Its secretary, Ng Choong Seong, said the event was carefully planned after advice from the Penang national unity and integration department and discussions with local mosque leaders, surau leaders, and community representatives who had agreed to it.

He said the food served would be halal and prepared by catering services owned by local residents, as a show of support for the local community.

Penang deputy chief minister Mohamad Abdul Hamid later said that a “unity banquet” would be held in lieu of the open house.

The banquet will be co-organised by the Zhao Zi Long Cultural and Arts Association of Penang with Bagan Ajam residents at Dewan Panorama Bagan Ajam in Butterworth on April 11.