IPOH: It is important for Muslims to discuss other religions, cultures, and civilisations to live and survive in a multiracial country like Malaysia, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The Prime Minister said the lack of engagement on such discussions is also a reason for the spread of Islamophobia.
“The West, after the post colonial period, still retains the old precepts of the others.
“Therefore their misunderstanding, misinformation and rejection of others is now termed as Islamophobia," he said in his speech at the 7th World Conference On Islamic Thought and Civilisation (WCIT) at Casuarina Hotel here Monday (July 29).
Sultan of Perak, Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah delivered the keynote address.
Also present were Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad.
Anwar also questioned how anyone could live in a multi-racial, multi-religous country like Malaysia without discussing other religions, cultures, and civilisations.
“We need to be blamed too when we talk about civilisation.
“Conferences such as WCIT on Islamic topics are important for others to understand the Muslim community and vice versa.
“That is why we encourage dialogue and conference on Islamic matters, which is not only relevant in Malaysia, but also within the region,” he said.
Anwar added that the difference in terms of race, tribe,and colour is determined by Allah.
“This is not tolerance, but it is learning and understanding one another, as well as appreciating the differences.
“My contention is that we must have the courage to continue this engagement.
“This (engagement) is to understand, appreciate and realise the requirement to achieve not peace, prosperity and sustainability,” he said.
