THE reactivated Inter-Faith Harmony Committee (Harmony Committee) was set to meet next month, Religious Affairs Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Mohd Na’im Mokhtar said.

Na’im said he would co-chair the meeting, which would see religious leaders discussing solutions to race and religion issues, with National Unity Minister Aaron Ago Dagang.

“Previously, I expressed my wish to the national unity minister to reactivate the Harmony Committee, as it plays an important role in organising various programmes to strengthen unity between races.

“The minister accepted the proposal. This is a reflection of the spirit of togetherness between us,” he said at a press conference after attending the national Maulidur Rasul celebration at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre today.

The event, themed “Perpaduan Teras Malaysia Madani”, was graced by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and Raja Permaisuri Agong.

Also present were Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and his wife Dr Wan Azizah.

Na’im said the reactivation of the committee, which was established on August 14, 2020, has allowed his department to empower the “wasati” (moderate) Islamic approach, to explain to non-Muslims that Islam is a religion of “rahmah” (mercy).

“The ‘wasati’ approach is used as it is not too extreme, conservative or stagnant, nor is it too loose or strays from authentic Islamic disciplines,” he said.

Na’im also said he would meet with Ipoh Timur MP Howard Lee soon to explain to him the discipline expected in interpreting Quranic verses.

“This is a harmonious approach. God willing, if there is engagement like this with non-Muslims, they will be able to accept Islam as a religion of ‘rahmah’,” he said.

On September 26, Lee issued a public apology for quoting a Quranic verse in a video clip on his social media page. – Bernama, September 28, 2023.