The photo published today speaks a thousand words. Indeed it blossoms hope and clarity in the hearts of millions of Malaysians who have for quite a while been bombarded with the politicking of religion so much so that suspicion and hatred seemed to be rearing its ugly venomous spike every now and then.

A salute to the courageous and magnanimous spirit of both the spiritual leaders of Malaysia’s Catholic Church and the majority Muslim population here.

Indeed too, this embrace of understanding, trust and hope between both leaders signals a clarion call to all politicians and blinkered followers to awaken to this call for acceptance and grace between Christians and Muslims.

The Holy Father Pope Francis in his Message for Peace marking the Catholic Church’s Jubilee for mercy called on world leaders and followers of the faith for fellowship with others in order that we see them not as enemies or rivals but as “brothers and sisters to be accepted and embraced”.

True as the Pope held, after all humans are “by nature relational beings” who must strive to find “fulfillment through interpersonal relationships inspired by justice and love”.

The meeting of the Archbishop of Kuala Lumpur with the mufti of the Federal Territories should therefore be emulated by all in this country if we are to truly aspire and build a one Malaysia.

In particular the leaders of political parties who have been capitalising on divisiveness rather than collaborative respect between races and religions should be admonished for their antics of evil.

Indeed leaders who divide and lord over the citizens are what the pope describes as “abominable phenomena”. Such leaders have led to the contempt of the fundamental rights of others and to the suppression of the freedom and dignity of Malaysians.

Hence, all media must rise to the occasion and give effective coverage to the historical embrace between our two religious leaders here in Malaysia at a time when the world is being reprimanded for its evil ways and humanity is being urged to return to the path of God’s mercy.

This visit between the two leaders comes at a time of heightened animosity, prejudice and poisoned politicking. It should pave the way for ‘correction time’ in Malaysia.

Hopefully, we will see the resurrection of the true Islam and true Christianity and be a beacon of hope to the world that is already being torn and devastated because of extremism.

Hopefully too, the prime minister of Malaysia will lead the way in ensuring that the gear wheels of government do not jam up the unprecedented and courageous efforts of the two religious leaders’ efforts to bring about the dawn of religious acceptance and respect among Malaysians.

And with greater hope, let us also register our gratitude and prayers for the efforts of the president of Global Unity Network, Shah Kirit, who reflects the hope and efforts of millions right-minded Malaysians.