PETALING JAYA: Debates that only seek to highlight differences involving religion can have undesirable consequences, says Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye.
The National Unity Advisory Council member said any would-be contenders must understand and recognise that such debates are unnecessary.
“Public debates on religious matters can easily touch on sensitive subjects and could lead to conflict and discord," he said in a statement on Tuesday (March 11).
Instead of debates that focus on finding differences, Lee said dialogue is a better medium as it fosters mutual understanding, respect and tolerance.
“That is the Malaysian way.
"In a multi-religious society, it is crucial to respect the beliefs and practices of all faiths,” he said.
He urged a greater emphasis on finding common values such as compassion, empathy and respect for human dignity.
Lee’s comments came in support of National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang’s statement that debates on religion must be stopped if they only seek to create differences without efforts to build unity.
Aaron said discussions on religion should be conducted with the utmost respect and an awareness of the country’s diverse society.
This was about the planned debate between MIC deputy president Datuk Seri M. Saravanan and preacher Zamri Vinoth, with Aaron saying any potential debates on religion should be called off.
Zamri accepted Saravanan’s challenge to a debate on Hinduism, following public outrage over three Era FM hosts who came under criticism for allegedly mocking the sacred kavadi ritual.
The three presenters have been suspended until further notice, pending an internal investigation.
