Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim praises a landmark peace initiative between Islamic and Hindu NGOs, calling it a powerful reflection of Malaysia’s true spirit of harmony
PETALING JAYA: A rare show of unity between Islamic and Hindu non-governmental organisations has drawn strong praise from Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim (pic) who described the peace initiative as a powerful reflection of Malaysians choosing harmony over division.
In a statement today, Anwar said the effort underscored a growing maturity among the rakyat in rejecting conflict and embracing mutual respect, particularly at a time when racial and religious sensitivities remain fragile.
“This is the true spirit and soul of Malaysia — a nation built on compassion, togetherness and respect across communities,” he said.
He stressed that such unity must not be taken for granted but continuously nurtured and strengthened as the bedrock of the country’s stability and progress.
The Prime Minister also commended all parties involved in making the initiative possible, including the Royal Malaysia Police, for their role in facilitating and safeguarding the process.
His remarks come in the wake of a reconciliation dialogue held yesterday involving more than 30 representatives from Malay and Indian NGOs, aimed at easing tensions and finding common ground over a series of recent controversies.
The four-hour session, which began at 3pm under the Harmoni Madani programme at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre, saw both sides call for an immediate de-escalation and a peaceful path forward.
Malaysian Muslim Lawyers Association president Datuk Zainul Rijal Abu Bakar said the closed-door dialogue provided a crucial space for both communities to engage without outside interference.
“We are striving to defuse the current situation. We will engage in dialogue and hold discussions with one another.
“We are no longer looking at third-party comments or provocations by others, and this is a starting point, and we want to move forward,” he told a media conference after the session.
Malaysia Council of Hindu Temples and Hindu Associations (Mahima) chairman Datuk N. Sivakumar said both sides acknowledged the need to immediately put a stop to contentious issues, including disputes over places of worship and escalating rhetoric on social media.
“We have verbally agreed that this is an issue at an early stage of consultation… to sit down and discuss with one another.
“Because this issue has become heated. We need to set aside our egos,” he said.
Sivakumar added that among key proposals discussed were the establishment of a special committee under the Prime Minister’s Department to coordinate related matters as well as a nationwide audit of places of worship to determine accurate land status.
Among those present at the dialogue were activist Cikgu Chandra, independent preacher Firdaus Wong, and influencer Kumarsan Jothi, also known as Santhanar Dronachariyar.
The reconciliation effort comes amid heightened scrutiny following court cases involving individuals accused of making statements that allegedly caused public alarm.
Zamri Vinoth, 42, whose real name is Muhammad Zamri Vinoth Kalimuthu, and activist Arun Dorasamy, 56, whose real name is Arumugam Dorasamy, were among those charged in Sessions Courts across several states yesterday. Both pleaded not guilty.
Anwar expressed hope that the reconciliation initiative would serve as a model for resolving sensitive issues through dialogue, reinforcing national unity and steering the country away from division.
