KUALA LUMPUR: A government initiative aimed at fostering better understanding among Malaysians of the country’s diversity has been launched with VIPs visiting mosques, temples, shrines and churches here.

National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang and his deputy K. Saraswathy were among the 100 people who went to seven places of worship in Brickfields as a symbolic gesture of unity and solidarity among Malaysians.

The new initiative, which is called Madani Harmony, is aimed at enhancing Malaysians’ understanding of the country’s religious, cultural, and customary diversity, said Aaron, as quoted by Bernama.

The visits to various places of worship have been going on in several locations nationwide. It will continue in Sabah next month, followed by Sarawak and Perlis in June, and Melaka in November.

During the launch yesterday, Aaron said the initiative would focus on principles of national integration, carried out through various programmes nationwide.

The programmes, he said, would include field visits and forums centred on understanding, respect, and acceptance, which are core values of national integration.

“Diversity, a historical legacy of Malaysia’s societal fabric, warrants celebration and preservation to foster unity and harmony. Despite the challenges diversity presents in strengthening unity, when managed effectively, it becomes the nation’s strength, shaping a harmonious and united Malaysian society,” he said.

At the same event, Aaron said that his ministry is also finalising preparations for the World Tolerance Day celebration to be held in Melaka on Nov 16.

Member of the National Unity Advisory Panel, Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye, who was present at the event, said the country needs more ethnic bridge-builders than ethnic heroes to make the Madani Harmoni initiative a success.

“We must look at our diversity as a strength and not a weakness. Such an initiative, which intends to build on this, must not be a short-term publicity stunt but a sustainable effort by all stakeholders, and continuous so that mutual respect is built.

“In view of the recent developments that have attracted unnecessary attention, we should not take the harmony and unity we have for granted. We should continuously remind ourselves that we need mutual understanding in line with our Rukun Negara,” he said. Lee also spoke out against politicians who wanted to appear “heroic” by championing racial issues.

“There should be mutual understanding and respect. So we need more politicians who can build bridges between the ethnicities. They must be bridge-builders, not ethnic heroes who will undermine harmony,” he added.

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/04/28/move-to-further-unite-malaysians