MINISTER in the Prime Minister’s Department P. Waytha Moorthy has reminded Malaysians about the importance of understanding each other’s religious sensitivities.

Referring to a letter, titled “Plea for vegetarian food”, that was published in a newspaper today, he said the situation described by the writer supports his call for the people to have a better understanding of different religions’ obligations.

“It is a known fact that different cultures are influenced by different religions. We cannot deny that religion shapes the way we live, hence, appreciating each religion’s uniqueness will increase our understanding of each other, and ultimately, improve our sense of togetherness as a nation,” he said in a statement.

The letter, written by a former matriculation student, said vegetarian students like himself were prohibited from buying outside food so as to keep to their diet, even after a formal request was made to the student affairs office.

The writer said the management of education institutions should be more sensitive when it comes to students’ religious obligations.

Waytha Moorthy, who is in charge of national unity, said he will write to the Education Ministry on the matter, in the hope that such issues will not crop up in the future. – Bernama, October 31, 2019.