KUALA NERUS: The Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs), through its various agencies, will step up efforts to strengthen national unity and harmony, says Deputy Minister Dr Zulkifli Hasan.
He said one of the key initiatives is to enhance advocacy and awareness programmes on Islam to foster greater understanding.
“The recent racial issues have further motivated us, along with agencies such as Yayasan Dakwah Islamiah Malaysia (Yadim), to redouble our efforts in promoting harmony by considering all aspects,” he told reporters after officiating the Terengganu Imam and Takmir Teacher Multaqa conference here yesterday.
He said if any recent racial or religious unity issues involved criminal elements or legal violations, the ministry will leave the matter entirely to the authorities.
However, Zulkifli emphasised that social media often fuels racial and religious issues, which do not truly reflect the harmony within Malaysian society.
“We have long enjoyed understanding and harmony with our friends from various backgrounds, including the Chinese and Indian communities.
“However, the digital space presents new challenges which we are compelled to navigate.
“So far, the ministry has implemented numerous programmes and engagement sessions, which include representatives from different religions, all of which have been conducted in a spirit of harmony,” he said, Bernama reported.
