PETALING JAYA: The interfaith harmony committee does not discuss Islamic policies as such matters are under the jurisdiction of the state rulers and state governments, says religious affairs minister Na’im Mokhtar.
Na’im said the committee, which he co-chairs with national unity minister Aaron Ago Dagang, provides views to the government on how best to strengthen unity within the multireligious society.
He said the committee also seeks to identify good values in each religion and holds activities between religious adherents for the benefit of the community, Bernama reported.
“I think there are some misunderstandings regarding this committee,” he said.
“I want to stress here that this committee aims to bring about harmony among the people of different religions, not harmonise religions.”
Na’im said the committee comprises religious scholars who help clarify religious issues while promoting interfaith harmony.
Twenty-five religious scholars were appointed as committee members during a meeting yesterday.
The committee comprises 10 Muslim representatives, four each representing Buddhists and Christians, two each representing Hindus and Taoists, and one each representing Sikhs and Baha’is, and a representative from Sarawak’s Unit for Other Religions (Unifor).
It was formed in 2020 to replace a committee to promote inter-religious harmony and understanding among religious adherents, which was active from 2010 to 2019.
