Enhancing harmony among religious followers is a crucial agenda outlined in the National Unity Ministry’s direction, in line with the national agenda to develop Malaysia Madani.

National Unity Minister Aaron Ago Dagang said religion has become a social deficit issue due to a lack of sensitivity and understanding of different religions, which affects community relationships and interactions.

He noted that in the National Unity Index 2022, four out of 10 social deficit categories - religion, education, generational gaps, and language - were found to undermine the achievement of national unity levels indirectly.

“Social deficits are among the issues that need attention to ensure they do not hinder unity aspirations among Malaysians,” he said in a statement following the launch of the Madani Harmony Dialogue: “Harmony in Diversity” in Kota Kinabalu yesterday.

Therefore, the ministry initiated the Harmoni Madani programme in April to promote the concepts of understanding, respect, and acceptance to enhance religious harmony.

Aaron said the programmes implemented through the Harmoni Madani initiative include nine Jejak Harmoni programmes, four Dialogue Harmoni programmes, Bicara Harmoni podcasts sharing the values of Malaysian society, and six Harmony documentary series.

The “Madani Harmony Dialogue: Harmony in Diversity” features a panel comprising academicians, religious leaders, legal practitioners and youth who directly engage with community life in Malaysia.

Topics discussed during the dialogue include the “Role of Religion in a Free Nation”, “Collaborative Efforts to Foster Religious Harmony”, “Role of Youth in Facing Global Change from a Religious Perspective”, and a dialogue session “Youth Icons: Values of Excellence”.

- Bernama

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