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NATIONAL Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang has reminded the public to exercise caution when expressing their views on religion, stressing that freedom of expression should never be used as a justification to insult or undermine the religious beliefs of others.
In a statement, Aaron stressed that spreading misinformation or making provocative statements about religion could escalate tensions and contribute to racial discord, especially in a nation as diverse as Malaysia.
"As a country rich in diversity, we cannot ignore the differences that exist in various aspects of life. However, we must view these differences as strengths, not weaknesses. Our diversity should serve as a unifying force, not a dividing one. It should form the foundation of a society that is inclusive, respectful, and harmonious," Bernama reported Aaron saying today.
He made these remarks during the launch of the Jejak Harmoni Programme, held in conjunction with World Interfaith Harmony Week.
The event, organized by the Malaysian Consultative Council for Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism, and Taoism (MCCBCHST) in collaboration with the Ministry of National Unity, aimed to promote interfaith dialogue and understanding.
In his speech, Aaron called on the public to adopt a mature approach when discussing issues related to religion and race, encouraging them to use their freedom of expression to foster unity and harmony in society.
"Social media has become a significant platform for disseminating information, but it must be used responsibly. We must ensure that it is not a tool for spreading hatred or division," he added.
Aaron further reiterated the government's commitment to strengthening national unity through a variety of initiatives and policies aimed at promoting social interaction, harmony, and mutual well-being among Malaysia's diverse communities.
He urged all parties, particularly religious organizations, to play an active role in promoting harmony by organizing activities that convey messages of peace and understanding, contributing to the success of the MADANI Harmony Initiative.
As part of the *Jejak Harmoni* Programme, participants took part in a goodwill walk to various places of worship, starting from Masjid Al-Hidayah in Sentul Pasar and concluding at Gurdwara Sahib, Sentul. The event aimed to promote interfaith solidarity and foster greater understanding among Malaysia’s diverse religious communities.
Young Generation Must Eradicate Divisive Elements and Strengthen Unity
On a similar call, Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs), Dr. Zulkifli Hasan said the young generation in Malaysia has a crucial role to play in eliminating harmful elements that threaten to disrupt the unity and harmony of the country's multi-ethnic and multi-religious society.
Dr. Zulkifli emphasised that it is the responsibility of young people to address and eliminate these negative forces to ensure peace and stability are preserved for future generations.
He highlighted that the ability to secure good jobs and salaries hinges significantly on the peace and stability within the country.
“Your role is immense, and you hold the potential to lead any movement. However, what Malaysia needs are youth who are not only capable but also grounded in faith, have strong character, are not easily swayed by worldly temptations, and possess qualities of credible leadership,” Bernama quoted Dr. Zulkifli saying in his speech during the closing ceremony of the Malaysia Islamic Dakwah Foundation’s (YADIM) 2025 Youth Convention.
The convention, held at the National Youth Skills Institute (IKBTN) in Sepang, was themed "Youth MADANI: A Catalyst for a New Era of Digital Dakwah." It was organized by YADIM in collaboration with the Youth and Sports Skills Training Institute (ILKBS), bringing together over 300 participants from IKBTN institutes across the country and the Advanced Technology Training Center (ADTEC) in Shah Alam, Selangor.
During a press conference, Dr. Zulkifli explained that the main goal of the convention was to align with the MADANI aspirations by raising awareness among the youth, urging them to actively contribute to societal reform.
"MADANI stands on six key pillars, which form its foundation. This convention aims to provide youth with valuable programs that will allow them to understand and apply these ideas in their everyday lives," he added.
Meanwhile, convention participant Muhammad Aisar Mohd Sohfi, 20, expressed his appreciation for the platform, calling it an excellent opportunity to gain valuable knowledge and develop strong character.
"This program not only allowed me to learn new things but also helped strengthen the bonds of friendship with other students. Instead of wasting time, it’s beneficial to engage in programs like this," said Aisar, a mechanical engineering student at IKBTN Sepang.
Another participant, Nur Amira Husna Mohd Nizam, 20, shared her commitment to implementing the message delivered by Dr. Zulkifli. She emphasized the importance of ensuring that young people not only gain skills and knowledge but also embrace good values and etiquette.
"The advice given by Dr. Zulkifli is incredibly valuable to us, especially as members of Generation Z, who are constantly exposed to social media. There is so much content out there, and his message serves as a guiding principle for us," said Amira, a hopeful future engineer from Putrajaya. – February 15, 2025