Drawing from their unique experiences of living in two contrasting worlds – before and after Islam – “reverts” were highlighted as well-placed to boost unity.
The term “reverts” is used among Muslims to refer to those of other religions who become Muslims, following the doctrine that all humans are inherently Muslim. It is disputed by those of other religions and refer to new Muslims as converts.
Themed “From Fracture to Future: Reverts Uniting Malaysia”, the New Muslims Community Conference (NMCC) 2025 on Aug 28 brought together corporate leaders, community figures, influencers, and Malaysians of different faiths and backgrounds to share their insights, experiences, and hopes for a stronger, more connected nation.
‘Reverts’: natural bridge builders for unity
Dr Sheikh Hussain Yee, founder and president of Al Khaadem, said the dual perspectives of “reverts” give them empathy.
“Having lived life on both sides, they understand the struggles of identity and belonging,” he said.
“That perspective makes them natural bridge-builders, able to move beyond race and foster understanding. Malaysia needs that spirit of togetherness now more than ever.”
Lee Kim Yew, founder of Country Heights Holdings Berhad, linked unity to the values of the Rukun Negara.
“Kepercayaan kepada Tuhan (Belief in God) and Kesopanan dan Kesusilaan (Good Behaviour and Morality) must be the guiding principles of how Malaysians live together,” he said.
“It is only through love, mercy, and understanding that we can overcome suspicion and division.”
Business leader Bruno Navet, a long-time resident of Malaysia, said Islam reshaped his corporate outlook.
“Many of the universal principles of Islam – ethics, integrity, truthfulness – are the very values that sustain good business,” he said.
“Islam teaches us that success is not only measured in profit, but in fairness and accountability.”
Shedding the colonial mindset
True to the spirit of Merdeka, the conference tackled difficult questions: what it means to break the shackles of colonial ways of thinking about race and religion; how “reverts” challenge the idea that Islam “belongs” to one ethnic group; and how reversion is not the loss of culture, but a conscious return to fitrah – a way to build common ground.
Sheikh Hussain reminded the audience that Islam “does not belong to one race or nation”.
“Anyone can speak about Islam, but it has to follow what is written in the Qur’an and what has been taught by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him),” he said.
“Otherwise, it becomes just personal opinions and feelings. That is when misunderstanding and friction arise. The values of Islam are universal – they speak to human rights, justice, and the dignity of all people.”
Khazanah Research Institute policy researcher Yin Shao Loong said tough conversations on race and injustice must not be avoided.
“Malaysia cannot heal if we avoid difficult conversations on race and injustice. Islam calls for justice with empathy, and that is how we turn wounds of history into bridges of unity,” he said.
Unity lessons from ‘reverts’
“Reverts”, the conference heard, live with dissonance daily.
For them, embracing the faith is about integrating their different Islamic and cultural identities, setting an exemplary example of how these can bind Malaysians together authentically.
If “reverts” can reconcile identities and cultures every day, perhaps Malaysia too can embrace its diversity as a strength and chart a future built on unity.