Mujahid denies interfaith harmony efforts lacking under his watch
Defacto Islamic Affairs Minister Mujahid Yusof Rawa, who used to be a fierce advocate of interfaith harmony, has denied that interfaith harmony activities are lacking since he took up the post in the Prime Minister's Department.
When asked if the claims are true, Mujahid replied, "Not exactly".
"Remember we had the rally for peace and solidarity for Sri Lankans, which was publicly promoted? This was part of our effort with NGOs to advance interfaith harmony," Mujahid told Malaysiakini.
"Frankly speaking, harmony and interfaith activities fall under the National Unity Department, " he quipped.
"However, since I am always advocating interfaith harmony, people look to me to organise such activities," he added...
Defacto Islamic Affairs Minister Mujahid Yusof Rawa, who used to be a fierce advocate of interfaith harmony, has denied that interfaith harmony activities are lacking since he took up the post in the Prime Minister's Department.
When asked if the claims are true, Mujahid replied, "Not exactly".
"Remember we had the rally for peace and solidarity for Sri Lankans, which was publicly promoted? This was part of our effort with NGOs to advance interfaith harmony," Mujahid told Malaysiakini.
"Frankly speaking, harmony and interfaith activities fall under the National Unity Department, " he quipped.
"However, since I am always advocating interfaith harmony, people look to me to organise such activities," he added.
On the first anniversary of Pakatan Harapan rule on May 9, prime minister in waiting Anwar Ibrahim had warned that racism could derail the New Malaysia.
Last year, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department P Waythamoorthy (above), who oversees national unity and social wellbeing, said his department intended to introduce a new action plan to strengthen unity among the country's various ethnic groups.
He said the comprehensive and inclusive action plan would take into account the failures of similar plans in the past.
Mujahid said his portfolio also includes a section dubbed, "Harmony Among Races," which is planning activities such as a solidarity for peace picnic to promote goodwill among different ethnic groups.
"We are in discussion for the solidarity for peace picnic, which is planned for Kuala Lumpur, after the Aidilfitri celebrations," Mujahid said.
"The event will involve all religious leaders and their followers. We will follow up with a peace walk after that," he added.
Asked how his ministry would promote interfaith harmony among the grassroots, Mujahid conceded that it needs to be done more effectively.
He said once the various religious leaders and their followers are on board, attending his ministry's activities, it would be easier to spread the message to all communities.
"All will be able to join our activities. We are not just going to have dialogues among certain quarters. Some are not interested, although this needs to be done as well," he said.
"We must make more effort to go to the ground, so we organise more picnics or marathons which are in line with our concept of compassionate Islam," he added.
Meanwhile, Mujahid said a more compassionate approach will also be taken against wrongdoers, and this would be mostly left to the community.
"Let the community decide how to punish its members, for example, making him or her do charity work, attend more activities in Muslim centres or mosques, instead of punitive or police action," he added.
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