UPM study: 90pct have positive image of other religions

comments     Bernama     Published     Updated

Over 90 percent of respondents in a study on Issues and Challenges of Ties Between Religious Adherents in 2013-2014 have positive perception of other religions.

Dean of Faculty of Human Ecology, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), Prof Dr Zaid Ibrahim said the study of 1,500 respondents nationwide proved they had knowledge of other religions.

However, he said good knowledge and positive perception of other religions do not necessarily guarantee a strong and lasting ties between religions as long as they continue to be manipulated  by certain parties.

"Those involved in raising the temperature include interested groups such as political leaders who will champion issues such as the custody of children," he told Bernama after presenting the study results at UPM in Serdang yesterday.

The study, a collaboration between the Institute of Islamic Understanding, UPM, and the National Unity and Integration Department (JPNIN) was tabled at a seminar titled 'Government and Civilisation: Managing Political and Religious Differences', at UPM.

Among the issues to be addressed are Malaysia as an Islamic state, hudud law, the use of the word 'Allah', the spread of other religions, conversions, child custody, claims of remains, religious insults and places of worship.

Prof Zaid said the study also found that the level of prejudice which can affect ties between adherents of different religions was relatively low.

Meanwhile, JPNIN director-general L Gandesan hopes that all parties can understand and tolerate other races and religions to maintain the racial and religious harmony.

Lecturer of Social Sciences and Development Department, UPM, Assoc Prof Dr Sarjit Singh, suggested that an inter-faith dialogue be held at every open house to celebrate festivals.

- Bernama



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