Speaking to FMT, Malaysian Consultative Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism and Taoism (MCCBCHST) executive committee member Herman Sastri said the council was given the mandate to prepare the national blueprint but none of the recommendations were implemented.

“The current government should revisit the report and take up many of the good recommendations made. It was a noble effort of national reconciliation to reduce racial polarisation and build a united nation,” he said.

He said the previous government had made efforts to ensure greater unity among the different faiths, but these were sidelined when a more authoritative version of Islam sought to take control.

Herman said the interfaith council had rejected the attempt by PAS to implement hudud laws.

He hoped the administration under Dr Mahathir Mohamad would likewise reject PAS’ efforts.

Instead, he said, the government should enact a law to prevent incitement to violence that could lead to atrocious crimes.

“PH should also look into the possibility of promoting interfaith discussion and perspectives in schools, universities and in the mainstream media to foster and strengthen interfaith understanding of issues facing the country.”

He urged government leaders to engage in serious dialogue with religious leaders from time to time, to collectively address interfaith issues and find solutions.

Herman, who is also general secretary of the Council of Churches Malaysia, said the government should take issues affecting religious minorities seriously.

“The disappearance of certain individuals should be resolved. The right to use the Malay Bible should be resolved. The right to tax exemption for religious work should be upheld.

“Mission schools should have the right to function and be administered by church authorities. Places of worship should be regulated and recognised by the various state administrations.”