PETALING JAYA: More than 200 mediation cases at the grassroots level were resolved last year, says the Interfaith Harmony Committee (Harmoni).
It said 215 mediation cases were resolved, adding that there were 571 community mediators resolving such conflicts in a non-litigation manner.
"As of now, there are eight community mediation centres. We plan to increase five more," it said in a statement on Wednesday (Feb 19).
It also said the National Unity Ministry had formed a Unity Issues Management Committee which is represented by 12 government agencies.
"This is to discuss the implementation of mitigation measures and strategic interventions in regards to unity matters," it said.
It said 25 religious leaders were appointed to be part of the Harmoni committee with their terms set to end on Dec 31 next year.
This comprises 10 Muslim representatives, four each representing Buddhists and Christians, Hindus and Taos (two each) and one representative for Sikhs, Baha'is and Sarawak’s Unit for Other Religions (Unifor).
According to the statement, National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang would continue conducting interfaith dialogues to promote mutual respect and understanding among the diverse Malaysian community.
“The Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) also expressed confidence that Harmoni is a strategic platform to discuss unity issues in a mature and constructive manner.
“Datuk Dr Mohd Na’im Mokhtar also hoped that it can provide a significant impact towards national harmony, based on the principles of justice, tolerance and mutual understanding,” it said.
