– Bernama
PETALING JAYA: The International Conference of Religious Leaders, which gathers religious and intellectual figures from around the world, will be a permanent feature in Malaysia, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
In his speech when officiating the inaugural conference here, Anwar said it is pertinent for Malaysia to promote the understanding of Islam, rahmatan lil alamin (mercy to all creations) and the message of peace.
"In a conference like this, we can observe the things that need to be done and need to be improved among Muslims, Christians, Buddhists or Hindus.
"We want to listen to your advice, criticisms and suggestions.
"While trying our level best to enhance our understanding of Islam and practice what is being ordained in the Quran and the Sunnah, we also want to convey a message of affection, compassion, justice for all our citizens, Muslims and non-Muslims alike," he said on Tuesday (May 7).
Anwar also emphasised the role of religious leaders, urging them to take a more active, effective and courageous stance in promoting justice.
He said it is the duty of religious leaders to ensure that governance is guided by strong moral and ethical values.
"There are many in our midst living in abject poverty, deprived of new technology, digital transformation and artificial intelligence.
"These are important in our lives – and the same goes for good quality education and public health facilities," he said adding that many countries have fallen due to corruption and abuse of power.
The Prime Minister also expressed hope that the conference would highlight issues at hand as the general public was already sick and tired of bickering among political leaders devoid of moral precepts, conscience and the meaning of justice.
He said although the majority of Malaysia's population are steadfast Muslims and adhere to Islamic principles, the country also seeks justice for every citizen.
"Muslims comprise 60% of Malaysia's population and Islam is the religion of the Federation. We have to undertake the responsibility to ensure that Islam is practised as enshrined in the Constitution.
"At the same time, the government is committed to ensuring that we respect the rights of every single citizen, Muslim, Buddhist, Christian or Hindu. They have rights in this country," said Anwar.
Also present at the event were Deputy Prime Ministers Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof; Timor-Leste Deputy Prime Minister Mariano Assanami Sabino Lopes; and Muslim World League secretary-general and Organisation of Muslim Scholars chairman Sheikh Dr Mohammed Abdulkarim Al-Issa.
Also in attendance were Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil, Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar and Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Mohd Zuki Ali.
The one-day event will be followed by the Conference of Asian Religious Scholars 2024 at the Mandarin Oriental in the capital on Wednesday (May 8).
Both events are organised by the Office of the Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) and the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jakim) in collaboration with the Muslim World League. – Bernama
