MELAKA: Malaysia’s experience in managing religious, cultural and ethnic diversity offers valuable lessons to the global community advocating interfaith understanding, peace and social harmony, says Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang (pic).
The National Unity Minister said Malaysia’s approach is anchored in the recognition that diversity should not be viewed as a source of division, but as a strength that harnesses mutual respect, openness and cooperation.
“Interfaith dialogue is not about changing anyone’s faith.
“It is not about compromising religious principles.
“Instead, interfaith dialogue is about creating mutual understanding while respecting our differences,” he said at the International Interfaith Peace Conference (IIPC) 2026 here yesterday, Bernama reported.
“By disseminating accurate information, interfaith dialogue helps to dispel misconceptions, reduce prejudice and strengthen mutual respect among people of different faiths,” he added.
Aaron said such engagements were also important in empowering young people to become bridge-builders.
He cited his participation in several recent engagements, including the Harmony Symposium, World Religious Leaders Conference and Roundtable Discussion on Multi-Faith Partnerships in Praxis for Human Flourishing and Dignity, as examples of the importance of interfaith dialogue.
Despite differences in themes and backgrounds of participants, he said the engagements shared a common objective of bringing people together through dialogue and deepening mutual understanding through the sharing of interfaith information.
