Consult us, interfaith group urges National Unity Minister Halimah

A coalition of religious groups has asked to be consulted should Putrajaya intend to set up a unit promoting interfaith harmony.

In a statement today, the Malaysian Consultative Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism and Taoism (MCCBCHST) proposed a meeting with National Unity Minister Halimah Mohamed Siddique (photo, above).

It referred to a July 10 Malay Mail article that quoted Halimah referring to Sarawak's Unit for Other Religions (Unifor) as a model for interfaith understanding.

“The MCCBCHST is of the view that on such an important matter as setting up a Unifor-like unit for non-Muslims, the MCCBCHST as the religious stakeholders should be consulted as to the unit’s structure and composition,” the group said.

“Any unit or body like Unifor to be set-up for non-Muslims must take cognizance of Article 11(3) - that is the right of each religious group to manage its own affairs [...]

“We, therefore, appeal to the minister to call for a meeting with MCCBCHST for consultations before a unit or body like Unifor is set up,” it added.

Halimah reportedly made the proposal during a recent meeting with Sarawak Deputy Chief Minister Douglas Uggah Embas, who oversees Unifor in the state.

According to the news article, she invited Douglas to meet with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong to explain how Unifor had been able to promote understanding between Islam and other religions.  - Mkini