Interfaith Relations: Positive Approach Needed

A couple of weeks ago, the Malaysian Consultative Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism and Taoism (MCCBCHST) release a press statement in response to the planned distribution of about a million copies of the Qur'an in the One Soul One Qur'an initiative.

There is not doubt at certain level, inter-faith and inter-ethnic relations is deteriorating. Largely due to the rise of fundamentalist groups with nationalistic inclinations. The over emphasis of their actions in most mainstream media is not solving the problem, even though they are small groups. The unnecessary media attention gives to reactions on social media, fuelling anger and negative emotions.
In a recent reaction by the MCCBCHST, the formal non-Islamic Interfaith council issue a statement which I felt set the wrong tone, hence my response. 

Reflecting on the tone and wordings used in the project, I felt that the approach could have been a little more positive.

My response, produced below, was published in The Malaysian Insider on March 4, 2014.

I refer to the press release by the Malaysian Consultative Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism and Taoism (MCCBCHST) published on February 9, 2015.

I am disappointed by the tone and approach in the recent press release from MCCBCHST. My personal opinion is that the statement could have been more tactful and less confrontational. As a Buddhist and a life member of a MCCBCHST component organisation, I do not agree with the organisation's approach. I feel that it is not right for MCCBCHST's statement that implies that all Muslims are indulging in violence with this quote, "It is Muslims who are indulging in killing and condemnation of other religions and religionist."

I know of many Muslims who adhere to the nonviolent principles and who have spoken out against violence used in the name of Islam. I am also aware that Islam is not the only religion that has been misused by extremists to justify violence. Other religions too have been hijacked and used to wreak havoc in other parts of the world. Our religious leaders in the MCCBCHST must recognise that the real issue is violent religious extremism, not the religion itself. Perhaps careful wording of the press statement is necessary.

We also need to appreciate that the issue is extremism and the need to deal with it together. This cannot be done by simplistically advising the Muslim community "... to be educated on the true teachings of Islam..." I do not think it is MCCBCHST's place to give such advice. As non-Muslims, we have no right to judge what is true teachings of Islam and instruct education, and vice-versa.

If the main issue in the press statement was concern regarding the distribution of the Quran in different languages to non-Muslims, MCCBCHST ought to take the issue with The Islamic Information and Services Foundation (IIS) specifically. It would have been better if MCCBCHST reached out to organise dialogues or discussions with IIS and to seek to understand IIS’s perspective. It would be an opportunity share the concerns from non-Muslims community away from the perception built from the media. It would also be good if MCCBCHST would gently reiterate the right to accept or refuse a copy of the Quran if being presented, with the need to do so with the utmost respect for the holy book. A strong message of outright rejection is not necessary.

I personally feel that as a National Level Interfaith council, its role is to enable greater harmony among the different spiritual groups in Malaysia, not to reiterate who is right or wrong. While I disagree with statement, I understand too the challenges MCCBCHST faces against the situation where certain non-Muslim groups seem to be under constant watch and restriction despite the freedoms and guarantees of the Federal Constitution. We live in a country very much in transition. As difficult as it may be, we cannot detour from the bigger objective of a building a harmonious Malaysia, peacefully.

To build a harmonious Malaysia, all parties need to play positive roles. I do agree with Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad that Islam needs to be understood. While the distribution of the Quran in different languages is a noble move, I believe there are many more ways to enable a better understanding of Islam. This is where I feel that IIS and other organisations can do more to positively share the principles and values through organising talks, forums and even social activities, working in collaboration with leaders from different religions. Islamic organisations with large resources such as IIS can play a leading role. In a later response to from IIS on February 14, it was heartening to know that IIS had reached out MCCBCHST to engage in dialogue. I sincerely hope a dialogue will take place soon.

Beyond such activities, I think the real issue is trust, or the lack of it. I feel there is a level of distrust towards the initiatives of Islamic education and information sharing. Trust-building initiatives need to be greater encouraged.

Together, all religious leaders need to address the deterioration of interfaith relations over the past couple of years within the context of our socio-political environment. The role of spiritual leaders is more critical now to bring in values to address social issues. We must not allow extremists to create havoc that may derail efforts to maintain a harmonious Malaysia.

In the Buddhist tradition, we are taught to be mindful in body (action), speech and mind (thoughts) and continue to radiate lovingkindness from our hearts with compassion. I am aware that similar spiritual values are found in other religions. Without fear or hatred, let us be guided by the values of our spiritual practice to build a harmonious Malaysia.

All be well and happy.

Thank you.