Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said moderates from all faiths must reclaim the agenda for peace and pragmatism, and marginalise extremists and radicals.
“Extremism and radicalism do not have religious or cultural backings. They are diseases that can cause disintegration and destruction to a society.
“And for this reason alone, religious followers worldwide must come forward and support the agenda for moderation, as it is the best approach to address the problems and chaos caused by extreme thinking and flawed understanding of religious principles,” he said in his speech at an international symposium on moderation in multi-religious societies here today.
Also present were Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Jamil Khir Baharom and Global Movement of Moderates Foundation (GMMF) executive chairman Nasharudin Mat Isa.
Zahid said promoting peace and harmony through moderation was a crucial first step towards unity and harmony in multi-religious and multicultural societies.
“The way forward for all of us in achieving this vision is by promoting mutual acceptance, respect, and togetherness among people of different religions so that the world will be a better place for all mankind,” he said.
Last year, the United Nations adopted Malaysia’s resolution of moderation at its 72nd session of the general assembly.
Zahid, who is also home minister, said besides proclaiming 2019 as International Year of Moderation, the resolution was also part of the country’s plan to promote moderation by encouraging dialogue, tolerance, understanding and cooperation.
He said the Muslim World League also regarded Malaysia as an example of national harmony and moderation.
In the Malaysian context, he said, dialogue remained the best mechanism to foster mutual understanding and respect, and was also an avenue to share religious perspectives on issues affecting humanity, including the preservation of peace and harmony.
“In a multi-religious and multicultural country like Malaysia where moderation is essential, it is indeed a challenge to establish and sustain peace and harmony, but that is the reality, and we need to address it with wisdom, justice and kindness.”
He said the government was committed to achieving peaceful co-existence in society, where people from various faiths and cultures are able to live together in an environment characterised by diversity achieved through engagement, respect, acceptance, tolerance and justice.