KUALA LUMPUR: Scholars have been urged to play a greater role in guiding societies towards peace, unity and justice in the face of global challenges.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi (pic) said the responsibility of scholars was not only to preserve knowledge, but also to defend truth, respond to hate with wisdom, replace ignorance with understanding and build bridges where others build walls.
“This is the responsibility of our scholars, our intellectuals and our leaders of thought.
“Yes, we may have differences. Yes, at times we may agree to disagree but above all, as ummah, we share a greater goal and that goal can only be achieved when we stand together.
“This is no ordinary gathering; it is a coming together of intellect and integrity, of faith and foresight,” he said in his keynote address at the opening of the 3rd Council of South-East Asia Scholars at the Federal Territory Mosque yesterday.
Also present were Muslim World League secretary-general Sheikh Dr Mohammad Abdul Kareem al-Issa and Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na’im Mokhtar.
Ahmad Zahid, Bernama reported, said Malaysia as the Asean Chair was also committed to strengthening peace in the region, citing the nation’s role in facilitating reconciliation between Cambodia and Thailand, encouraging dialogue in Myanmar and easing tensions in Southern Thailand.
“Peace is not a luxury – it is the very foundation of progress. Without peace, investment cannot flow. Without stability, development cannot endure.”
On Palestine, he reaffirmed the nation’s stand, condemning the expansion of illegal settlements and the “Greater Israel” agenda, which violates international law and offends basic human dignity.
He noted Malaysia’s recent announcement of RM100mil in additional humanitarian aid to Palestine, bringing the total contribution to more than RM200mil in recent years.
Ahmad Zahid also urged scholars to advance joint research, collaborative publications and cross-border academic exchanges to help South-East Asia confront pressing challenges such as climate change, inequality and digital disruption.
