Since mutual trust and appropriate timing are lacking in the present circumstances surrounding the proposed interfaith commission (IFC), it may be better to set aside the IFC for now and focus instead on dialogue, says the vice-chairperson of the Malaysian Consultative Council for Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism & Sikhism (MCCBCHS).

John Gurusamy, who also heads the council's Selangor chapter, said there is no point to push for such a commission if the majority of Muslims doubt its intentions, as this would defeat the point of dialogue.

"Trust and timing are the keys to dialogue. If the majority of Muslims are not in agreement to it, then it is pointless to proceed at this point," said Gurusamy when met yesterday at a seminar on Islamic Political Thought organised by the Muslim Professionals Forum in Kuala Lumpur.

"As the council of muftis has stated that they are against the IFC and the prime minister has stated all concerned should now focus on dialogue, I would be happy to dialogue with all peoples to enhance religious harmony," he said.

Gurusamy, who is also the coordinator of the Malaysia Interfaith Network (MIN), insisted that these were his personal opinions and may not necessary reflect the position of the other members of MCCBCHS, its Selangor chapter, or MIN.

Gurusamy was responding to a Bernama report on Thursday, according to which members of the national muftis' council expressed strong objections to the setting up of the IFC.

In the report, Perak mufti Harussani Zakaria was cited as insisting that matters concerning Islam could only be deliberated by Muslims.

350 years to apologise

Earlier, Premier Abdullah Ahmad Badawi had twice indicated that the proposed interfaith commission may not be realised as it seemed offensive to Muslim sensitivity.

He also said it could be a setback to religious unity and harmony if it is implemented.

"I believe that by dialogue with Muslims and non-Muslims, not only can we have greater understanding of each other's faith, but we can appreciate better mutual problems and ways to resolve them," said Gurusamy.

According to Gurusamy, it was understandable that Muslims objected to 'external pressures' to rush into reforming aspects of their religion, whereas for some religions it took hundreds of years to modify their teachings.

An Anglican, Gurusamy also said he understands that Roman Catholics would likewise be sensitive to pressures by non-Christians to change its stand on abortion and divorce.

"If the Church took 350 years before it can apologise for its condemnation of (Italian scientist) Galileo, I can understand the position of the Muslims (who are being pressured to change their laws)," he added.