PETALING JAYA: The “Maaf Zahir Batin Hari Hari” (#MZB365) campaign is a reminder that national harmony should be preserved at all costs and civil society organisations (CSOs) have urged all Malaysians to come together and unite for a common cause.
Muslim Youth Movement of Malaysia (Abim) vice-president Zairudin Hashim said Abim and its activists and volunteers across Malaysia will promote the campaign in Islamic kindergartens, primary and secondary schools, as well as Kolej Dar al-Hikmah, which is affiliated to the group.
“There is a need to work together to push the narrative on unity, and this campaign may contribute positive narratives in our society,” said Zairudin.
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“The fact that we have 130 branches all over Malaysia, we will play quite a significant role in promoting the campaign, including through social media platforms,” said Zairudin.
Zairudin also said the campaign is a reminder that national harmony must be defended from racial incitement by parties with narrow interest.
“Abim calls on all Malaysians, regardless of skin colour, religion and political ideology to jointly upload pictures or videos with elements of racial unity on their respective social media with the hashtag mentioned above.
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“As concerned Malaysians, we all have a responsibility to carry a message of love and stay away from hate,” said Zairudin.
G25 member Tawfik Ismail said that public education on the Rukun Negara and the Federal Constitution is crucial for Malaysians to understand the national philosophy of tolerance and the limits of freedoms.
“By and large, Malaysians of all races are open and tolerant towards each other, but it is the unscrupulous and unprincipled politicians and warped individuals who invent racial and religious issues that are hurtful,” he said.
Gerakan Belia Sepunjabi Malaysia vice-president Harmit Singh said that societies that are unable to maintain their diversity will eventually fall into conflict.
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“Forgiveness is the main instrument to negotiate these differences. It gives us the opportunity to look at issues through the lenses of another.
Most importantly, said Harmit, is that forgiveness is an expression of love and courage.
Projek Sama convener Ngeow Chow Ying said that living in a diverse society, Malaysians cannot completely avoid or prevent hurtful incidents to one community or another.
“To avoid enmity from spiralling, we need to build emotional resilience and cross-communal solidarity to defeat provocation and instigation by those pursuing partisan, business or personal gain.
