Raise the standard of religious discourse

TODAY marks the start of the new year. A year in which Malaysians thought they could look forward to. Alas, it will take a longer period of time for “Wawasan 2020” to be fully realised.

There are a few indicators by which Vision 2020 must be achieved, some of which are environmental health and the way Malaysia deals with graft.

Then there is also the problem of what kind of religious discourse is not just being produced but imbibed in Malaysia.

Sound religious discourse is the responsibility not just of religious leaders but of the education sector when it educates youth on the ideals of religious harmony.

Ideals here refer both to the principles of religious harmony and individuals that disseminate such messages. Indian preacher Zakir Naik can hardly be seen to be an epitome of religious harmony. Yet, we enter 2020 with an exam question that more or less belittles Malaysians for not wanting to give Zakir a chance.