KUALA LUMPUR: Several measures will be taken to strengthen racial and religious understanding after a committee identified over 10 sensitive issues that must be addressed, says Datuk Seri Aaron Ago Dagang.
The National Unity Minister said his ministry’s Unity Issues Management Committee (Jpip) had conducted its first meeting this year to review all sensitive issues from the beginning of the year until now.
"The committee had given its proposals to all of the issues and proposed short, mid and long-term solutions for them.
"I think that there are over 10 issues that have arisen recently, and this has been discussed and the measures on how to address them," he said in reply to a supplementary question from Dr Halimah Ali (PN-Kapar) during Question Time.
Dr Halimah had asked the ministry to state the effectiveness of the Jpip in managing race relations issues following a series of controversies including the "ham and cheese" sandwich issue sold at a concept store.
Ago said that under the Madani Harmony Initiative, several measures have been introduced to enhance understanding of religious, cultural, and traditional diversity while strengthening solidarity and harmony.
They include World Harmony Day Celebration, International Tolerance Day Celebration, harmony dialogues, harmony parade, Sounds of Harmony Unity on Wheels, and festive advertisements, he said.
"Malaysia is a nation rich in diversity, with a society that embraces various religions and beliefs.
"If nurtured properly, this uniqueness can serve as a powerful foundation in shaping our national identity," he added.
Ago also noted that there are no specific guidelines for government departments and agencies regarding activities that involve religious elements.
His ministry has adopted a programme-based approach to bridge social gaps among Malaysians while celebrating cultural diversity, traditions, festivals, and heritage, he said.
He explained that the implementation of programmes and initiatives are guided by three key objectives as outlined under the National Unity Policy, which is strengthening unity and national integration based on the Federal Constitution and the Rukun Negara, shaping a national identity rooted in patriotism, compassion, tolerance, mutual respect, and responsibility.
And also to cultivate Malaysians to appreciate and actively uphold unity.
