Page 163 - 马佛青55周年特刊

marked a significant development in the institutionalisation of interfaith dialogue.
However, the idea of creating a national-level Interfaith Council faced opposition, Opinion Articles
especially from Islamic organisations concerned about the potential impact on Islam’s
position in Malaysia.

Recent Developments: Institutionalising Dialogue

In 2010, the Committee for the Promotion of Interreligious Understanding and
Harmony among Adherents (JKMPKA) was established under the Department of
National Unity and Integration (JPNIN) to formalise interfaith dialogue in Malaysia.
The goal was to bring together government agencies, religious leaders, and academics
to promote mutual respect and understanding. This committee was later succeeded by
the Harmony Between Religious Believers Committee (HARMONI) in 2020, which
continues to facilitate interfaith dialogue and unity.
In 2023, the National Unity Advisory Council (MPPN) was formed, further
solidifying the institutional support for national unity and interfaith relations. The
creation of the Unity Issue Management Committee (JPIP) in 2025 continued this trend
of institutionalising interfaith relations, with a focus on managing key unity challenges.

Interfaith Agencies and Organisations in Malaysia

Numerous organisations, both governmental and non-governmental, play pivotal
roles in promoting interfaith dialogue in Malaysia. These agencies aim to foster mutual
understanding and prevent religious and ethnic tensions in the country’s pluralistic
society.

Civil Society Organisations (CSOs)

CSOs are key players in Malaysia’s interfaith efforts. Among the Muslim NGOs
are the Academy of Civilisation Studies (AKK) under ABIM, IKIM, the Islamic
Propagation Society (IPSI), and Islamic Information Services (IIS). For non-Muslim
communities, organisations such as the Inter-faith Spiritual Fellowship (INSaF),
Fostering Inter-religious Encounters (FIRE), the Malaysia Interfaith Network (MIN),
and the Malaysian Consultative Council for Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism,
Sikhism, and Taoism (MCCBCHST) contribute significantly to the dialogue process.
There are also CSO players not named under any religion or faith such as the the
Malaysian Youth Council (MBM), Architects of Diversity (AoD), Initiative to Promote
Tolerance and Prevent Violence (INITIATE.MY).
These CSOs work in partnership to organise dialogues, seminars, and public
forums that encourage understanding and cooperation between the different religious
groups in Malaysia.

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