Malaysian Consultative Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism and Taoism (MCCBCHST) Deputy President RS Mohan Shan said interfaith studies would help students better understand the various religions in the country and clear misconceptions of other religions.

He was responding to a suggestion made by the Department of National Unity and Integration under the Prime Minister’s Department and the Committee to Promote InterFaith Understanding and Harmony.

Mohan, however, told FMT that the proposed subject must be taught properly and all religious bodies should be involved in developing the syllabus and textbooks.

“This has to be done as soon as possible as race and religious tensions are getting worse,” he said, adding that education was the best way forward as it was a long-lasting solution.

Businessman Anas Zubedy told FMT that he welcomed the idea as it was something he had been requesting for years.

“If we are serious about getting to know and appreciate one another, and learn to agree to disagree, then this is something which must be done.”

He also said the preparation of the syllabus must be done collectively and teachers for the subject must be especially compassionate when talking about religions they did not subscribe to.

Anas, who is well known for his moderate views, added that the subject should not just focus on religion, but also include lessons on the cultures of Malaysia’s many different communities.

MCA Religious Harmony Bureau Chairman Ti Lian Ker also agreed with the idea, noting that in the past, students were taught about all the religions practised in the country, and this had resulted in students who were more tolerant and respectful.

“When we were exposed to the faiths of others, we learned to respect their faith and practices. There was no fear, egoism or attempt to convert our fellow Malaysians,” he told FMT.

“What prevailed then was a sense of understanding and reverence of each other’s faiths.”

Ti said nowadays, people were overly sensitive about religion, and this was made worse by people who adopted a “superior” attitude and propagated the notion that their religion was superior to other religions.

“Of late, there have been attempts to make religion a taboo topic. This is wrong and unhealthy. We should desensitise religion and open up the minds of Malaysians,” he said, adding that early exposure to other faiths would help people better understand and respect the religions of others.

It was reported yesterday that the idea of a formal subject on religions in the country would help strengthen unity and harmony in the country.

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