KOTA KINABALU: Religious leaders play a crucial role in shaping moral values across all faith communities to help build a just and progressive society, says Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang (pic).
The National Unity Minister said such progress cannot be achieved without trust among Malaysia’s diverse religious communities.
“That is why religious leaders have an indispensable role.
“They are among the most trusted voices in society.
“They shape moral values, influence public attitudes and often become the first source of guidance during times of uncertainty,” he said when officiating the Roundtable Discussion on Multi-Faith Partnership in Praxis for Human Flourishing and Dignity here yesterday.
Aaron added that the responsibility of religious leaders extends beyond serving their own congregations, as they also serve as guardians of social harmony.
He said they should embody and promote values that are consistent with the Rukun Negara.
“They are trusted voices in an era of misinformation and division, and their credibility makes them vital in shaping public attitudes.
“They are serving their faith communities and building trust across religious boundaries,” he said.
Aaron added that practical interfaith collaboration through regular engagement at the community level is equally important.
Such initiatives, he said, could include joint environmental programmes, coordinated humanitarian missions, and digital literacy campaigns to combat misinformation and hate speech, as well as the development of early intervention mechanisms to address sensitive issues before they escalate.
He cited the Inter-Religious Organisation in Singapore and the Abrahamic Family House in the United Arab Emirates as examples of successful initiatives that promote unity and peaceful coexistence among different faiths.
“These examples show that religious leaders must be deliberate and courageous in investing in harmony,” he said.
Aaron added that local religious leaders could also help build bridges across faiths to ensure Malaysia’s diversity remains a source of strength rather than division.
He stressed that multi-faith partnerships are not merely about religious tolerance but about working together despite differences to address shared challenges.
“Malaysians have repeatedly demonstrated that compassion transcends religious identity.
“Whether responding to floods, supporting families facing hardship or rebuilding communities, faith-based organisations often stand shoulder to shoulder in serving humanity,” he said.
Aaron cited the various programmes, campaigns and initiatives under the Harmony Madani framework as examples of efforts to strengthen understanding among Malaysians.
He said the Harmony Madani approach is guided by four simple yet powerful values: understanding, respect, acceptance and celebration.
“Understanding begins with listening before judging. Respect allows diversity to become a source of strength rather than division.
“Acceptance recognises that unity does not require uniformity, while celebration embraces our diversity as part of our shared national identity,” he said.
Aaron warned that the greatest challenge facing society today was not technological but moral.
“We are witnessing a growing deficit of trust, empathy and social cohesion.
“That is why conversations on human flourishing must go beyond economic growth,” he said.
