KUALA LUMPUR: National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang and Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na’im Mokhtar led the first meeting of the Inter-Faith Harmony Committee (Harmoni) on Saturday (Oct 28).
Established on Aug 14, 2020, Harmoni took over from the Committee to Promote Inter-Religious Harmony and Understanding Among Religious Adherents (JKMPKA), which was founded in 2010 and dissolved on Dec 31, 2019.
In a joint statement issued on Saturday, both ministries emphasized the significance of the Harmoni Committee as a platform to promote understanding of various religions.
The ministries stated, “This platform is also aimed at discussing issues that may disrupt religious harmony and public order, as well as proposing government policies based on religious values.”
The 30-member Harmoni Committee consists of three government representatives, ten representatives of Islam, four representatives each from the Buddhist and Christian faiths, two representatives each from the Hindu and Taoist religions, a representative each from the Sikh and Baha’i faiths, and a representative from Sarawak’s Unit for Other Religions (Unifor).
The Harmoni Committee will convene twice a year or as needed in order to foster a positive and friendly atmosphere among leaders and followers of different religions, based on the principles of respect and cooperation at all levels.
One of its objectives is to encourage all religious adherents to understand and respect the Federal Constitution, while promoting the appreciation of noble values aligned with the principles of the Rukun Negara. Additionally, the committee will propose programs and activities to enhance understanding of the diversity of religions, cultures, and customs, with the aim of strengthening harmony in the country.
Aaron expressed his hope that the committee would bridge the gap between Muslim and non-Muslim religious bodies, and contribute views for the betterment of Malaysia and its people. He also emphasized the importance of implementing a program to foster understanding and harmony between religious leaders and followers, in support of the goal of Malaysia Madani through the Unity in Diversity concept.
Meanwhile, Mohd Na’im expressed confidence in the Harmoni Committee as the best platform for all parties to approach religious issues wisely and orderly, with a high level of tolerance. He stressed that this approach would ensure the stability of the social situation in the country, while also upholding Islam as the federal religion as enshrined in the Constitution. – Bernama
