Malaysia’s diverse religions must unite for national strength, with shared values of love, service and restraint guiding the nation forward in 2026
WHAT should Malaysia’s New Year resolution be? Year 2026 provides an opportune time for the dawn of a new Malaysian experience – one in which all religions are embraced as a harmonious diversity of forces moving towards a shared purpose.
Religious leaders and communities must reflect on their common mission: to improve lives and strengthen unity amid diversity.
What does the Creator desire? What does any parent want for their children? Love, well-being and harmony. God loves all people, regardless of religion; therefore, we too should respect and appreciate all faiths and their devoted adherents.
Appreciation for all religions grows when we work together for the common good of humanity. At their core, religions seek to place God in our lives and recognise the divine presence everywhere – in every heart and every tradition.
Imagine a six-lane running track where six athletes train as a team. Each hopes the others are progressing well. If every runner focuses only on personal glory, the team will never become champions. Progress comes from shared purpose and mutual support.
Malaysia has various faiths that have played important roles in moulding our nation over hundreds of years. We have Islam, Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Taoism, Sikhism and others.
Malaysia’s many faiths have shaped our nation over centuries. When these faiths move in harmony, Malaysia rises to its greatest potential. United people can strive together and succeed together.
All religions teach values that strengthen individuals and societies. Consider one guiding principle from each:
Islam
Islam’s prohibition of alcohol for Muslims serves as a broader reminder of moderation and responsibility. Modern health research confirms that no level of alcohol consumption is entirely risk-free, reinforcing the value of self-restraint for the well-being of society.
Buddhism
Buddhism teaches the importance of controlling anger. Anger disturbs the mind, harms others through words and actions, and can escalate into violence. As Buddhist scripture warns, wrath clouds judgement and leads to loss. Restraining anger protects both oneself and others.
Taoism
Taoism cautions against excessive attachment to wealth and accumulation. Such attachment can breed selfishness and erode humility. The Tao Te Ching advises knowing when to stop, reminding us that corruption brings disgrace, destroys careers and undermines the nation.
Christianity
One of Christianity’s most challenging teachings is Jesus’ commandment to love your enemy and resist retaliation. By responding to hostility with prayer rather than revenge, individuals bring out their best selves and act in alignment with their God-given nature.
Hinduism
The Bhagavad Gita teaches that by fixing one’s mind on God, obstacles can be overcome. Through calm reflection and meditation, clarity emerges. Surrendering ego and focusing thoughts and actions on the divine leads to inner peace and resilience in life’s challenges.
Sikhism
Sikhism teaches that enmity has no place because God dwells in every heart. The Sri Guru Granth Sahib urges believers to see God in all and conquer the self before seeking to conquer the world.
This faith also exemplifies service, as seen in Sikhs’ readiness to help during disasters and their tradition of offering free meals to all. Such selfless service nurtures compassion and strengthens society.
Conclusion
When these values intertwine, they reinforce unity and fortify the nation. The stronger the bond among Malaysia’s diverse faiths, the stronger Malaysia becomes.
Religious harmony is not merely an ideal to be admired; it is a daily responsibility to be practised through dialogue, cooperation and mutual respect. Each tradition, while distinct in belief and practice, contributes moral wisdom that enriches the collective character of the nation.
When communities of different faiths stand together – serving the poor, protecting the vulnerable, promoting peace and rejecting hatred – they affirm that compassion is greater than division. Unity does not require uniformity; it requires sincerity, humility and the willingness to listen.
Religions flourish not when they compete for dominance but when they collaborate for the common good. By recognising the shared ethical ground that runs through all faiths – love, restraint, service and reverence for the divine – Malaysia can nurture social stability and moral clarity.
This interwoven bond of faiths can guide the nation through challenges, inspire future generations and strengthen national resilience.
Joachim Ng champions interfaith harmony. Comments: letters@thesundaily.com
