Nurture trust, unity through dialogues

THE Association for Community and Dialogue welcomes the proposed dialogue between Perlis mufti Datuk Asri Zainul Abidin and DAP leaders.

Dialogue is the key to unlocking perception, empathy and trust. With the nation going through a transition with Pakatan Harapan as the new government, challenges are aplenty.

Since religion has been used as a tool of division between Muslims and non-Muslims, it is appropriate that a dialogue is initiated. The accusation that DAP is anti-Islam is irrational and unfounded. There have been occasions when the party has worked with Pas and it is now working with former Umno members who are in Pakatan Harapan.

In Penang, DAP has given substantial allocations to mosques and religious schools. Its emphasis on meritocracy helps to build high standards of governance.

The weakness of DAP is in its lack of empathy in relation to issues involving the nation’s history — a country that evolved from a Malay-Muslim to a multireligious and multiethnic society.

The dialogue with Asri should focus on efforts to build social justice and seek an understanding of the nature and dynamics of conservative politics of the Malays, with Islam as the main religion.

If one were to look at countries like the United States, its presidents have always talked about the historical development, culture and identity as way of uniting the nation.

It is gratifying to note that Perak mufti Datuk Harussani Zakaria, regarded as a conservative, has come out with a rational statement that “there is no sign to show that Islam is under pressure under Pakatan Harapan”.

Such positive and rational thinking should be encouraged. It is hoped that trust between the communities can be nurtured through dialogues.

A divided nation will invite the interference of big powers as seen in nations like Syria and Venezuela. It would be disastrous for multiracial and multireligious Malaysia, which is on the cusp of becoming a developed country by 2025.

RONALD BENJAMIN Executive secretary, Association for Community and Dialogue