Anwar lauds Islamic and Hindu NGOs for dialogue to ease tensions, calling it a strong sign of unity and harmony in Malaysia
PETALING JAYA: A rare show of unity between Islamic and Hindu NGOs has drawn strong praise from Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim who described the peace initiative as a powerful reflection of Malaysians choosing harmony over division.
Anwar said in a statement yesterday that the effort underscored a growing maturity among the people 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 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.
Anwar commended all parties involved in making the initiative possible, including the police for their role in facilitating and safeguarding the process.
His remarks come in the wake of a reconciliation dialogue held on Wednesday, 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 calling 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 gave both sides space 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. This is a starting point, and we want to move forward.”
Malaysia Council of Hindu Temples and Hindu Associations chairman Datuk N. Sivakumar said both sides agreed to immediately de-escalate tensions, including disputes over places of worship and social media rhetoric.
“We have verbally agreed that this is an issue at an early stage of discussion – to sit down and talk with one another. Because this issue has become heated, we need to set aside our egos.”
He added that proposals include setting up a special committee under the Prime Minister’s Department and conducting a nationwide audit of places of worship to determine land status.
Among those present 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 on Wednesday. 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.
