Commentary by Mustafa K. Anuar

AT a time when ethno-religious relations is at its lowest ebb in the country, you would think that initiating efforts to bridge the yawning gap between the various racial and religious communities would be welcomed and appreciated.

Not a good idea, said certain quarters in our society.

In particular, a project called “Projek Artikel 11” organised by Impact Malaysia was seen by PAS as having the potential of further widening the gap between Muslims and non-Muslims if it falters.

Impact Malaysia, an agency affiliated with the Youth and Sports Ministry, has been tasked to carry out a programme aimed at promoting interfaith understanding and respect among participating youths by visiting various houses of worship.

It is now revealed that Muslim youth will not be participating in the project.

PAS secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan insisted that the project be stopped as its failure could provoke protests in our society – despite the fact Muslims will not participate.

Another factor reinforcing the demand for the programme to be dropped is an allegation it would surreptitiously involve Christian proselytisation, which Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh denied.

It would be highly regrettable if the programme were to be eventually scrapped because of such objections, given that the objective is noble and addresses the pressing concerns of our multi-ethnic and multireligious society.

For, such an important meeting of young minds would lend a golden opportunity for them to be exposed to such shared values as justice, compassion, freedom and human dignity that are found in all religions.

There are, of course, differences in the beliefs they hold, which they are expected to know better from the programme but not for the purpose of erecting walls between them. It is for them to learn to respect and appreciate differences and diversity.

Differences, it must be impressed upon them, must not be dealt with fisticuff or other worse forms of violence, such as death threats. It should instead involve dialogue in a civilised manner.

Even if the planned visit to the places of worship is finally cancelled, the authorities must see to it that the youth nonetheless be given space in another context to have useful conversations.

It is in such a meeting that the non-Muslim youth could be assured that, for instance, Islam is a religion of peace and whoever resorts to violence goes against the religious teachings.

Similarly, it is hoped that in such an interaction the fears some Muslim participants might have of non-Muslims would be allayed, especially for those who have heard the allegation from certain quarters – who play the race and religion card – that Christians will take over this Muslim-majority country.

The siege mentality, which some of the Muslim participants might have as a result, needs to be addressed for the benefit and peace of all.

Such an encounter, if skilfully handled, could go a long way towards building a cohesive, harmonious and progressive Malaysia.

For example, youth of diverse backgrounds could collectively initiate community projects to address, say, problems of abject poverty, drug abuse and child sex abuse that have emerged in places like Kelantan. There were 3,683 drug abuse cases handled by the courts in Kelantan last year, the highest in the federation.

Additionally, issues of corruption and racism could bring the youth together as well because these are cancerous to our collective wellbeing.

To be sure, the above problems are the concerns of most followers of all religious traditions, guided by the values of compassion, justice and human dignity.

Youthful idealism and universal values are well placed to help unite our future generations of diverse backgrounds against the divisive designs of certain people with vested interests. – March 18, 2023.