PETALING JAYA: A dedicated bureau has been set up to focus on efforts to resolve issues and conflicts related to religion present in the community, says the National Unity Ministry.
The ministry said it is among three bureaus set up to ensure initiatives to foster inter-religion harmony achieve their aim.
"The religious issues management and mediation bureau will look into matters that can potentially threaten the unity and well-being of the society.
"The bureau will also take on the mediation approach as an alternative method to resolve misunderstandings and disputes," the ministry said in a statement.
It also said the Cabinet had discussed the statement issued by the Malaysian Consultative Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism and Taoism (MCCBCHST).
Following this, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar will have an engagement with the council on Friday (Sept 6).
The MCCBCHST had expressed concern about reports suggesting that Islamic Development Department (Jakim) officers might be placed in every government's department "to ensure decisions align with Islamic principles".
Explaining the matter, Mohd Na'im said that Jakim officers are assigned to government agencies and departments primarily to organise Islamic religious programmes.
National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang called on religious representatives to contact the three bureaus to seek solutions to issues related to harmony among people of different faiths.
"All Malaysians must embrace the concept of understanding, respect and acceptance to bridge differences among different races and religions in the community.
"Understanding, respect, and acceptance as basic principles are meant not only to strengthen the spirit of togetherness and unity among us.
"In fact, it can be how we tackle issues among people of different faiths, boost respect and understanding," he said.
