Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang praises Muslim NGOs and Indian community reps for mature dialogue, reaffirming constitutional unity and firm action against provocateurs.
PUTRAJAYA: The Ministry of National Unity has welcomed reconciliation efforts between Islamic NGOs and Indian community representatives following recent sensitive issues.
Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang said the initiative reflects Malaysian maturity in handling differences through wise dialogue and understanding.
“The diversity that Malaysia possesses is not a weakness, but rather a strength that is the basis for the uniqueness and competitive advantage of the country,” he said in a statement.
He stressed that every difference must be managed with wisdom, based on the Federal Constitution and the spirit of national unity.
Aaron said the country’s foundational unity was built through negotiation, compromise and understanding between multi-racial leaders before independence.
This agreement was finalised in the Federal Constitution, which he called the pillar of stability, justice and balance for Malaysia’s diverse society.
He said Malaysia’s unique constitutional formula must continue to be understood, respected and defended by all parties.
The constitution establishes Islam as the religion of the Federation while guaranteeing freedom of religion, citizenship and the national language.
It also provides for the special position of the Malays and Bumiputeras without denying the rights of other races.
Aaron stated the government has a moral responsibility to act firmly against any party creating tension through extreme or provocative actions.
He said existing laws like the Penal Code and Sedition Act 1948 provide authority to deal with race and religion issues.
However, he acknowledged that enforcement of these laws needs to be improved and enhanced.
He urged enforcement agencies like the police and the Communications and Multimedia Commission to act more firmly and proactively.
This would prove the government’s moral courage in addressing sensitive matters, he added.
Aaron said viral incidents on social media highlight the need to strengthen dialogue spaces and unity literacy.
The ministry remains committed to providing platforms to bridge understanding gaps among the people.
This includes the Inter-Religious Harmony Committee and the Harmony initiative MADANI launched in 2024.
Since 2023, the ministry has emphasised the concepts of Unity in Diversity and Harmony in Diversity.
These concepts form the basis for engaging with Malaysia’s pluralistic societal reality, according to the minister.
Efforts to strengthen appreciation of the Rukun Negara continue to be enhanced concurrently.
The agenda of building a nation-state based on a shared identity and national values is also being strengthened.
The Sun Malaysia
