Malaysian Consultative Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism and Taoism vice president V Harcharan Singh welcomed the idea of an IFC, provided that it is "a voice that is heard".

He said that suggestions and proposals by the IFC need to be followed by "serious actions" later.

"IFC has to be meaningful, properly recognised by the authorities and be made a formally constituted body.

"IFC should be inclusive of all religion. Everyone should be free to voice their opinion," he explained when contacted.

It will fail if it is only confined to discussions, he added while stressing the importance of the government accepting the council's recommendations.

His view is that all religious groups must have equal standing in the council and members of IFC should encompass a broad spectrum of society, including those in the opposition so that everyone's opinion could be sought.

Clarity on IFC essential to convince public

He stressed that the government should explain to the people the concept and purpose of having such a body for them to understand and so, lend their support.

NONE Concurring with Harcharan ( right ), MCA president Ong Tee Keat voiced his backing for an IFC at a press conference today but stopped short of saying he will take the matter with the Cabinet.

"These are the needful things to ensure social harmony in our country," he told reporters in Port Klang.

However, Islamic Youth Movement (Abim) deputy president Amidi Abdul Manan rejected the idea of an IFC, claiming it would be contrary to the spirit of the Federal Constitution.

Article 3 of the Federal Constitution states that Islam is the country's official religion.

He remarked that it is not right to compare Islam with the other religions and feared that the IFC would be "used to question the position of the Islamic religion".

Instead,he suggested that an interfaith dialogue be held to gain deeper insight into the religion of others and as it would not be as "binding as a council".

"A council would make demands, proposals and criticise religious matters. It will stir anxieties and fear among Muslims. Feelings might also be hurt," Amidi said when contacted.

Earlier this year, maverick politician Zaid Ibrahim had revived the proposal to establish an IFC to discuss sensitive religious issues.