Upon his arrival home, Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said the problems of Muslims worldwide will be discussed at a special OIC summit.

Kuala Lumpur—A proposal by a number of non-governmental organisations to set up the Interfaith Commission of Malaysia, was met with mixed reactions, with some welcoming the idea and others raising reservations.

The proposal, which will be discussed at a two-day conference to be held in Bangi from Thursday, February 24, is expected to be passed by representatives from 29 religious organisations and other delegates attending the conference, Bernama new agency reported Wednesday, February 23.

It will be forwarded to the government for further action, it added.

The commission would be fashioned after the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) which, among other things, has powers to inquire, mediate, negotiate and conciliate on claims of infringement of religious harmony, K. Shanmuga, a member of the working group drafting the proposal, told Bernama.

But Suhakam chairman Tan Sri Abu Talib Othman said that he was unable to support the proposal, saying he saw no necessity to set up an Interfaith Commission.

“Its function is not the same as Suhakam. At most, it can influence the government on matters concerning religion,” he told Bernama.

President of the International Movement for a Just World (Just) Dr Chandra Muzaffar, who has been calling for an inter-religious council since the 1970s, said he pulled out of the process in 2003 because the Bar Council insisted on being the prime mover.

“Some of the Muslim groups felt the whole purpose was to look at divisive issues—which should be solved within the community,” he said.

Interfaith dialogue should not start with divisive issues such as apostasy, he said, noting that some of the lawyers involved were “looking for legal solutions” and had no background in interfaith work.

Idea Welcomed

Muslim Youth Movement of Malaysia (Abim) president Ahmad Azam Abdul Rahman said his organisation welcomed the idea of an interfaith commission at first and was willing to cooperate.

“But later on, it became very much a question of legalistic, rights issues. We’re not ready for that yet,” he said.

He said a foundation had to be set first, based on informal discussion and confidence-building.

“We are for dialogue but the approach has to be right and it has to be done in a very cautious, step-by-step and realistic manner,” Ahmad Azam said.

Shanmuga stressed that the commission would be “advisory, consultative and conciliatory” and that its recommendations would not be binding.

“Its most important obligation is to foster harmony, to increase understanding of other religions and education on religion,” Shanmuga, a member of the Malaysian Consultative Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism and Sikhism said.

“It is also meant to be a place where the religions can talk to each other, providing a forum for dialogue.”

He said the commission should include representatives from various ministries and from all faith organisations, as well as the Islamic Religious Council in each state.

“We are leaving it to the commission to decide what comes under its purview.”

The conference, at Equatorial Hotel, is scheduled to be opened by Arts, Culture and Heritage Minister Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim.

Malaysia offers the image of a very successful Muslim country, 60% of the population are Muslims, heading towards the status of developed nation with huge buildings, beautiful cities and a fast track economy that is doing well despite recent shattering events.

The country also enjoys a religious harmony between its citizens.