MELAKA: Sustaining social peace requires collective commitment of all segments of society, says National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang (pic).
He said families, educators, community leaders and civil society all play a decisive role in nurturing res-pect, empathy and the ability to engage with differences constructively from an early age.
“Perhaps, what is most lacking today is not information but wisdom, not connectivity but understanding and the capacity to engage diversity with maturity and restraint.
“Ultimately, our task is to strengthen the moral and social infrastructure of peace so that differences do not become divisions, and diversity continues to serve as a foundation for unity rather than conflict,” he said at the opening of the Second International Interfaith Peace and Harmony Forum 2026.
Aaron warned that nations could become divided when ethnic, religious and ideological differences were exploited instead of being managed constructively.
These challenges have become more complex due to misinformation and polarisation, he added.
He said religion continued to serve as a powerful force for compassion, reconciliation and humanitarian action, making interfaith engagement essential in strengthening mutual understanding and social cohesion.
Aaron said the nation’s peaceful coexistence among followers of different faiths was underpinned by the Federal Constitution, which recognises Islam as the religion of the Federation while guarantee- ing the freedom to practise other religions in peace and harmony.
Under the 13th Malaysia Plan, Rukun Negara and the government’s nation-building agenda would continue to serve as the foundation for strengthening unity, the minister added.
“Economic development must go hand in hand with social cohesion. We must build a nation where diversity remains our strength and every Malaysian shares a common sense of belonging and responsibility towards the country’s future,” he said.
