THE government will revive the Inter-Faith Harmony Committee (Harmony Committee) to act as a medium of discussion between religious leaders in an effort to resolve issues related to religion and race.

Religious Affairs Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Mohd Na’im Mokhtar said the committee would be jointly chaired by him and National Unity Minister Aaron Ago Dagang and would comprise leaders from the various religions practised in the country.

The Harmony Committee was established on August 14, 2020 but had been inactive.

Speaking in a press conference after the Merdeka Goodwill Ceremony with religious leaders here today, Na’im said various stakeholders would be contacted to restart the committee as soon as possible.

“The Harmony Committee is expected to function as an official consultation body comprising leaders from the main religions practised in Malaysia to provide the best input and practical suggestions to be implemented to strengthen mutual understanding and harmony in the community,” he said.

At today’s ceremony, a total of 20 representatives from various religious-based organisations were present, including representatives of the Malaysian Consultative Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism and Taoism; Buddhist Association; Christian Federation of Malaysia; Malaysian Hindu Sangam; Sikh Federation; and the Taoist Society of Malaysia.

Na’im said among the matters discussed in the meeting was to empower the inter-civilisational dialogue programme as an approach to strengthen harmony in a multi-religious society.

“The dialogue approach to improve understanding and overcoming ignorance will be done through seminars, talks and the publication of informative material,” he said, adding that the meeting today proved the spirit of understanding and cooperation was intact among the various religious leaders in Malaysia. – Bernama, August 29, 2023.