Kota Kinabalu: Interfaith dialogue serves as a bridge that connects Malaysia’s diverse communities in pursuit of a harmonious and united nation, National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang (pic) said.
He said dialogue is a communication process that enables followers of different faiths to get to know, understand and respect one another, while fostering trust within a multicultural society.
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“We facilitate mediation until mutual understanding is achieved among those involved because dialogue remains the best way to resolve differences in views and beliefs,” he said.
Aaron said regular dialogue is essential to ensure that differences in religion, culture and background do not become obstacles to strengthening national unity and social harmony.
He added that various initiatives aimed at promoting harmony among different races, religions and cultures are being implemented and will continue to be expanded, including with the participation of the private sector.
Meanwhile, Sabah Minister of Women, Health and Wellbeing Datuk Julita Majungki said Sabah was a fitting host for the National Harmony Dialogue, as the state offers an ideal platform for sharing experiences, perspectives and best practices in fostering unity and harmony.
She said the theme, “Harmony in Diversity: Strengthening Sabah’s Legacy of Tolerance”, reflects the reality of life in Sabah, where communities have long embraced mutual respect, understanding and the celebration of diversity as a shared strength.
“I hope this dialogue will serve as a constructive platform to discuss current challenges, strengthen understanding among communities and formulate more inclusive approaches to preserving national unity,” she said.
The dialogue featured a panel comprising Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities lecturer Assoc Prof Datuk Dr Lee Kuok Tiung, United Sabah Islamic Association (USIA) president Datuk Sapawi Ahmad, and Sabah Council of Churches president Reverend Wong Fui Kong.
The Harmony Dialogue programme is being held at six locations nationwide: Kedah (June 6), Sabah (June 16), Johor (June 20), Terengganu (June 27), Selangor (July 8) and Sarawak (July 25).
