Penang is set to initiate interfaith dialogues to forge unity among the various races and become a model to other states in terms of inclusiveness and understanding of each other, Tun Ahmad Fuzi Abdul Razak says.
The Yang di-Pertua Negri said apart from Selangor and Kuala Lumpur, Penang was not only a developed but also a thriving and progressive multi-racial, multi-cultural and multi-religious state.
“I think in that sense, Penang is more plural in character and there is a need for us to ensure we are able to get the people together and unite them towards a common goal.
“I think it is very important and I believe that Penang can play a leading role in this context,” he said in an interview.
The former diplomat said diversity was an asset and that investors had found Penang to be a good choice for investment because of this.
“It has been a unique selling point for Penang to attract quality investors and Penang is proud of it,’’ he said.
Ahmad Fuzi said differences among the various races were normal but through these dialogues: “we wish to emphasise the commonalities especially the common values.
‘’Everyone of us, regardless of our faiths and races, believes in good values like respect, love, tolerance, compassion, and forgiveness.
“This is what I hope the state government through the Penang Institute will spearhead this initiative in collaboration with other relevant agencies including Institute Kajian Islam Malaysia (IKIM).
“I hope the private sector can also support this as partners and sponsors,’’ he said, adding that he believed Penang would be the first state to carry this out.
Ahmad Fuzi said it could be a series of forums to allow the experts as well as the public to engage and take part in the discourse.
Entering his third year of stewarding Penang as the head of state, Ahmad Fuzi said he would always try to attend every cultural and religious event in Penang when invited.
He pointed out that he was proud of the attraction of Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling, which is also known as the “Street of Harmony”, because of the mosque, church, Chinese and Indian temples located along the road.
Besides these talks, Ahmad Fuzi said the performing arts of the various races including those in danger of being lost, could be staged as part of the events to bring people together and ‘’to appreciate the beauty of music and arts.’’
The Sungai Bakap-born leader said in bringing the understanding between the races, Penang needed a platform to launch dialogues or forums to promote the idea of inclusiveness and diversity.
He said this effort, if it was successful, in the long term could be useful to other states and be adopted as a model in the future.
