Interfaith Dialogue

On Saturday (5/12/2009), I attended a dialogue with the theme "Islam and Democracy in Malaysia", organised by the International Institute of Advanced Islamic Studies (IAIS) Malaysia and the International Institute Of Islamic Thought and Civilization (ISTAC), based in Petaling Jaya, Selangor. The purpose of this dialogue was to gather the views of a wide cross-section of Malaysian society on how to advance issues related to good governance, religious tolerance and the rights of women and minorities. These dialogues are part of a larger effort to advance efforts in promoting democracy and human rights in the areas mentioned above. 

Participants were divided into tables of ten each. My table had among others, Rev. Sivin Kit, a pastor at the Bangsar Lutheran church. Sivin keeps his own website here. Earlier this year, Sivin was interviewed by Shanon Shah, whom I also met at the dialogue, and you can read it here. Shanon Shah is an editor with The Nut Graph, a site that I am liking more and more. 

Helen Ang from the Centre for Policy Initiatives (CPI) was also at my table. Helen works for Dr. Lim Teck Ghee. Helen also actively contributes for CPI and her articles are archived here. There was Dr. John Gurusamy from the Malaysian Interfaith Network (MIN), whom I have seen at some Soka Gakkai Malaysia (SGM) events. Tuty Ashikin, who volunteers at the Islamic Information & Services Foundation came as an individual and there was Kak Long from Rumah Pengasih. 

All of us talked passionately and candidly about the challenges facing Malaysian society where those issues are concerned. There were times when we disagreed, but we did so honourably, and without malice. But we agreed on so much more. The challenges facing our country can only be overcome if Malaysians work together without discriminating on the basis of race and religion. We must no longer see things through coloured lens. Our education system must be reformed to imbue a sense of love for all humanity in our children. 

We are like the bed of flowers shown above. Flowers of different species and colours made up that picturesque scene. No single flower can fully express the beauty of the multiculturalism and diversity that can be found in our country, and the world. Only when all the flowers combine, then can we form that picture above. 

Buddhism expounds the principle of cherry, plum, peach and damson, whereby each one of us contributes to society through our unique qualities and the role we play in society. We cannot be anyone else. We must acknowledge and appreciate the differences between us, and work together based on our commonalities instead of emphasizing the differences only. The Holy Books and Scriptures talk about the importance of accomodating different viewpoints and living together in harmony.

It was great knowing all those people there, and I came back feeling super refreshed! Our moderator managed the session really well, and really encouraged us to share us views. I really look forward to joining more of such discussions and meeting up with my new friends!