Unity Ministry holds interfaith event to increase respect, understanding

Summary

• The National Unity Ministry holds an interfaith programme called “Jejak Harmoni” in Kuala Lumpur.

• The programme sees 250 participants walking to five different houses of worship for a visit and briefing about the respective religion.

• Minister Aaron Ago Dagang says the programme aims at fostering better understanding among the country's multireligious society.

The National Unity Ministry held an interfaith programme in Kuala Lumpur today, involving 250 participants across different religious beliefs who visited several houses of worship.

Its minister Aaron Ago Dagang said the programme “Jejak Harmoni” is aimed at increasing understanding of each other among the multi-religious society.

"I want to take this opportunity to remind everyone not to sensationalise or politicise this programme because it involves no religious activity.

"The objective of this programme is to increase the understanding of the multi-religious and multicultural society that we have, which we must respect and accept.

"Through this programme, the people are encouraged to look at issues from a positive perspective by stressing the basic concepts of national integration which are understanding, respect and acceptance, which will ensure the harmony among our society will always be preserved," Aaron said in his speech at the event held in Sentul.

Adding further, the minister urged all Malaysians to practise caution when expressing their views on matters related to religion.

Aaron also called for religious organisations in the country to take part in organising programmes that promote national harmony and spread the message of peace to their followers.

According to the programme itinerary, participants began their visit at the Al-Hidayah Mosque in Sentul Pasar before moving around on foot to other religious houses nearby, including the St Joseph Catholic Church, Ahthi Eeswaran Hindu temple, Sri Lanka Buddhist Vihara, and the Sentul Gurdwara Sahib.

At each stop, the participants were briefed by the respective worship houses' management who shared values taught by their religion, said the ministry.

The programme took place just days after another religious polemic was sparked in the country over a DAP leader’s proposal for a minister in charge of non-Muslim affairs.

Raub MP Chow Yu Hui’s suggestion received fierce pushback from other political leaders and Islamic groups before the cabinet dismissed it as Chow's personal opinion.

Debates about the proposal also saw the National Unity Ministry coming under fire from parties that believe the responsibility should be the ministry's.

Aaron issued a statement to defend why he should still have a job, after an academic called for his ministry to be shut down for alleged poor performance in improving unity.

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