Inter-faith dialogues do not threaten the status of Islam in Malaysia, said Malaysian Inter-Faith Network coordinator Dr JR Gurusamy today.

On the contrary, he said these dialogues help promote unity in diversity.

"Holding inter-faith dialogues are definitely not a threat to the Islamic faith. This is totally untrue," he added when contacted today.

Gurusamy was responding to an Umno delegate who singled out the Inter-Faith Council (IFC) and several other non-governmental organisations as threatening Islam .

Speaking at the Umno general assembly in Kuala Lumpur this morning, Penang delegate Shahbudin Yahaya said these organisations were sponsored by the German-based Konrad Adenauer Foundation (KAF).

The IFC was mooted by various NGOs but was shot down by Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

Meanwhile, Gurusamy said all quarters must have an open mind and try to think out of the box.

Don't stifle talks

He said inter-faith dialogues should not be stifled as it can help religious groups better understand one another and their respective rights.

"Our purpose of boasting unity in diversity is always consistent with the Rukunnegara and Vision 2020. Our motto is treat others as you like to be treated," he added.

As for the funding from KAF, Gurusamy apologised if this had created any misconception among the public.

He said if KAF's sponsorship of inter-faith dialogues was a problem, those involved will consider getting local corporate and government bodies to sponsor the talks.

According to him, KAF, which is closely-linked to Germany's ruling Christian Democratic Union, came forward to sponsor the talks.

"People who think the council (IFC) is receiving funds and sponsorships from KAF and promoting its ideas in Malaysia, have misunderstood (the issue)," he said.

On the same note, Gurusamy advised all quarters to view the matter objectively and not be prejudiced because of the foundation's involvement.

"This should not be a reason to stop the dialogues," he said, adding that any move to stifle such dialogues would be a shame.