Good for all to embrace #MZB365

THE launch of the #MZB365 (Maaf Zahir Batin Hari-hari) campaign is commendable, appropriate and timely.

Organised by local media corporations and civil society organisations (CSOs), the campaign leans on the Hari Raya Aidilfitri tradition of Muslims asking for forgiveness for their body and spirit by saying “Maaf zahir dan batin.”

The objective is to encourage Malaysians to embody the practice of asking for forgiveness and also forgiving one another throughout the year.

The acts of repenting and forgiving are virtues common to all faiths practised in this country. They are also central to the beliefs of indigenous peoples.

There is an age-old phrase that says “to err is human, to forgive divine”. It conveys the idea that making mistakes is a natural part of being human while forgiving is a quality associated with divinity and magnanimity.

I hope all Malaysians will embrace #MZB365 amid the rising tension in the country over religious and other sensitivities.

When different ethnic and religious groups harbour animosity towards one another, it erodes social cohesion and trust. Communities become polarised, and incidents of discrimination, hate speech and violence may increase.

Let us not forget that racial harmony isn’t just a buzzword. It is the bedrock of our nation’s stability and progress. Therefore, we must safeguard it for the present and future generations.

During this blessed Hari Raya season and beyond, let us embrace the essence of “Maaf zahir dan batin.”

TAN SRI LEE LAM THYE

Member

National Unity Advisory Council