JKMPKA MALAYSIA 1 - 7 February 2015
Message from the Right Honourable Prime Minister-
Dato’ Sri Mohd. Najib bin Tun Abdul Razak
“I call upon all Malaysian to shift from the concept of tolerance to that of acceptance that will further strengthen the unity among citizens of this country. In the practise of tolerance there are still barriers between us and the feeling of insecurity among us.
In comparison, the practise of acceptance leads to due respect to diversity among the citizens while capitalising on the strength of races. This is basically the concept of One Malaysia, hoping that there will be an escalation to national unity and integration among the people of diverse origin, religions and culture.
Extract from a speech at “Meeting the peoples” programme at Keat Hwa Vernacular Chinese Secondary School (1), Kuala Kedah, Kedah Darul Aman on 28 July 2011
“Efforts to promote understanding and awareness through discussion, dialogue and also education are important so that the public understands clearly the differences and similarities between the various races in the country.
World Interfaith Harmony Week sought to raise awareness and understanding between religions, for universal peace and drive the world to be more progressive and prosperous.
As such, if there is a country which wants to showcase itself as a model of multiracial unity, I don’t think there is a country better than Malaysia”
A session with religious leaders at the Premier’s residence at Seri Perdana in Putrajaya on 15 Feb. 2012 in conjunction with WIHW celebration.
Message from the Ministers-Advisor
The Honourable Major General (R) Dato’ Seri Jamil Khir b. Baharom, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department
Greetings of peace to the Cabinet Committee for the promotion of inter-religious understanding and Harmony among the religious adherents (JKMPKA) and Greetings of One Malaysia to all citizens who are living in harmony within the diversity that we all share.
Indeed it was revealed by Allah s.w.t “Worship Allah and join none with Him (in worship) ; and do good to parents, kinfolk, orphans, the poor, the neighbour who is near of kin, the neighbour who is a stranger, the companion by your side, the wayfarer (you meet), and those (slaves) whom your right hands possess. Verily , Allah does not like such as are proud and boastful “
(Surah An-Nisaa 4 :36)
Embarking on this reminder, I am impressed with the theme mooted by the Most respected Prince Ghazi of Jordan at the General Assembly of the United Nations on 20th October 2010. Truly, the phrase Love of God, and Love of the Neighbour can enrich the spirit of ‘Muhibah’ and peaceful co-existence that all religious adherents share.
It is an undeniable fact that WIHW that is being celebrated in the first week of February as sanctioned by the UN, is a noble initiative very delicate and yet universal. The phrase “Love of God and Love of the neighbour” which is institutionalised in Islam and promoted by all major religions will be acceptable as a universal value that will benefit all.
May Allah’s grace be always with us in this endeavour and harmony as well as Muhibah that is enjoyed and appreciated by our nation, will prevail and hopefully will spread throughout the globe.
The Honourable Tan Sri Datuk Seri Panglima Joseph Kurup
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department
Malaysia is among the first few nations that celebrated WIHW after the United Nations General Assembly approved the resolution mooted earlier by King Abdullah II of Jordan in September 2010.
Our Prime Minister, the most honourable Dato’ Sri Mohd. Najib bin Tun Abdul Razak in the same session suggested the Global Movement of Moderates based on the Islamic concept of Wassatiyah. The idea was overwhelmingly supported by world leaders and is considered instrumental in nurturing the understanding and Harmony among religious adherents in our country.
I wish to record my utmost gratitude and thank to the Cabinet Committee for the promotion of the inter religious nderstanding and harmony amongst religious adherents (JKMPKA) and its working committees that works closely with the Department of National Unity and Integration (JPNIN) to ensure the success of all the activities planned for the World Interfaith Harmony Week 2015.
Hopefully all activities designed within the week will enhance further to the understanding and cooperation within JKMPKA for promoting harmony and unity.
Greetings of peace, greetings of One Malaysia and thanks.