KUALA LUMPUR: Good governance with equality for all is vital for a peaceful coexistence in a multiracial and multireligious country, says Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Idris Ahmad (pic).
He said that it was important that as a Muslim-majority country, the concept of welfare and non-discriminative policies be practised for everyone, regardless of religion.
He said that this was in line with the Prophet Muhammad's example of leadership when he governed a multireligious Medina under the first constitution in history.
"As a country with Muslims as its majority, the multiracial and multireligious community has to understand that Islam celebrates diversity and plurality of a community, a Malaysian asset.
"This must be preserved in harmony with tolerance without playing up sentiments which can threaten the peace of the nation.
"The success of Prophet Muhammad as an excellent statesman must be exemplified especially in his leadership in the administration of a diverse community," said Idris.
He was speaking to a crowd of hundreds from various ministries and agencies at the National Maulidur Rasul celebrations this year at the World Trade Centre here Sunday (Oct 9) in conjunction with Prophet Muhammad's birthday.
The event was also graced by Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah and Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Hajah Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah, with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob in attendance.
Idris further stated that the concept of "peaceful co-existence" exists in the Islamic laws to enable the practice of peaceful living in a multiracial and multireligious nation.
"The Prophet created the Constitution of Medina as the first constitution in the world.
"This constitution does not discriminate against any of the communities of different races and religions.
"As a matter of fact, it stresses on equality, justice and helping each other for a better living together," said Idris.
(The Constitution of Medina also known as the Charter of Medina is the modern name given to a document believed to have been written in 622-624 CE).
Idris further said that the religious affairs department under the Prime Minister's office had introduced initiatives to further establish familial institutions, communities, mosques and socio-economy of the Muslims to pave the way for the department in the future.
The celebrations, which also saw the awards to icons of various communities, was the first time held in a grand manner post-Covid-19.
Various singers from nasyid groups and performances took to the stage.
