The recent Roundtable discussion jointly organised by SEDAR Institute, Sisters In Islam (SIS) and Centre for Public Policy Studies, ASLI was aptly entitled ‘Religion, Multi-ethnicity and Unity in Malaysia: Challenges and Prospects for Nation Building’.  The discussion, held at the Crystal Crown Hotel PJ on 22nd April, saw well-respected leading academics and political, religious and civil society leaders come together for constructive dialogue on a wide range of religious and civil society issues.

There were also over 120 people present at the forum from a variety of organisations and affiliations. Panellists included representatives from the Council of Churches of Malaysia, the International Islamic University (IIU), Human Rights Society of Malaysia (HAKAM), Institute of Islamic Understanding Malaysia (IKIM), Angkatan Belia Islam Malaysia (ABIM), and the International Movement for a JUST World.

The role of religion in our multi-ethnic and pluralistic society requires us to constantly engage in dialogue to increase our awareness and understanding of this complex dynamic.  Dato’ Dr Toh Kin Woon, Chairman of SEDAR Institute, welcomed participants with this caveat and outlined general concerns about the role of Islam in Malaysia.  This was followed by Professor Norani Othman, Programme & Management Committee Member of SIS, who gave the welcome address and stressed the need to reconcile the international human rights discourse and traditions of religious beliefs, in particular that of Islam in Malaysia.  She also stated that all faith communities should promote common values such as regard for human life and human dignity, and work towards a normative consensus that will be accommodating in our multi-religious society.

The first panel discussion, focusing on ‘Ethno-Religious Politics in Malaysia: Impact and Implications on Nation Building’, was chaired by Dato’ Dr Ismail Noor and heard presentations by Dr Chandra Muzaffar, Dr Hermen Shastri, and Dr Danial Mohd. Yusof.  The ensuing discussion touched on the understanding of ‘the Malaysian identity’, its history and construction in different forms (e.g. cultural, religious and national), and how ethno-religious politics in its narrow view impedes attempts at national unity.  On the other hand, many were of the opinion that the Constitution should provide that space for Malaysians to forge a common identity on the basis of equality.

Dr KJ John chaired the second panel discussion with presentations by Dr Mesut Idriz and Malik Imtiaz Sarwar on the topic of the Government’s Islamisation Policies Programmes: and whether they have improved or worsened Inter-religious tolerance and understanding.  Dr Mesut Idriz presented principles of lessons learned from the Balkans during the Ottoman era while Imtiaz explored the definition of an ‘Islamisation policy’ and the issues associated with using labels instead of espousing values and principles which all groups can ascribe to.  There was lively discussion between the speakers and the participants on the impact of Islamisation policies, increasing people’s awareness and understanding of this concept.

Professor Dr Wan Zawawi Ibrahim moderated the final panel on “Key Islamic Bodies in Malaysia – Policies and Programmes that have an impact on Inter-Religious and Inter-racial Unity”.  Dr Syed Ali Tawfik Al-Attas talked about the  definition of an ‘Islamic body’ and its role in promoting inter-religious and inter-racial harmony. He also stressed the importance of terminology and how a wealth of culture and understanding can be lost in translation.  Mr Yusri Mohamad gave an informative presentation on Malaysian Islamic Bodies and policies since the 1970s.

Dr Chandra Muzaffar, Dato’ Dr Toh Kin Woon, Dato’ Dr Michael Yeoh and Professor Norani Othman provided closing remark and highlighted themes which emerged as a result of this forum.  One of the most frequently reiterated points was the need to bring about a platform of common values in all the different faiths as a way forward.  There was consensus  on the need  for a continuing discussion and on using the forum as a starting point for the religious dialogue.

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