The importance of context in interfaith dialogue
The setting of interfaith committee consisting of a 35 members on February 14th 2016 by Prime Minister Najib Razak to promote understanding and harmony among religous adherence ( JKMPKA) seems to be in a right direction. Interfaith dialogue is vital in multi ethnic and religious Malaysia where issues would be better resolve through dialogue rather then going to courts that is adversarial in nature. While the initiative reflects a positive approach questions remain on what basis such dialogue will take place and whether Prime Minister Najib and his Party has the political will to create the right context to promote understanding. There are various situations in the past and also current that would make interfaith dialogue a strenuous process which I would like to highlight.
Political Expediency overtakes principles
Firstly, looking back at the record of the Prime Minister when he propose the 1Malaysia concept, it was never able to take root among Malaysians due to the ethno centric issues played up by ethno religious politicians in his party and role of Umno propaganda tool Utusan Malaysia in instigating communal tensions in the country in the run up to the 2012 general elections and to date. The Prime Minister who depend on the support of right wing extremist and business oligarchy for his political survival since losing the 2/3 Majority in parliament, chose to remain silent, while Umno extremist and NGO s related to them, were undermining his inclusive political agenda. In record he never forceful denounce extremism , and his support for racially charge red shirt rally is an example of not being able to stand for principles of his so called 1 Malaysia. Political expediency takes precedence when the going gets tough. Could harmony and understanding that is envisage through JKMPKA survive in the context of extreme ethno-religious politicking?
Mixing of identity coated religion with politics
Secondly the mixing of religion and politics, where religion is used as a political rallying cry for Umno and Pas will basically weakened any dialogue that is proposed. One of the great illnesses of the political system in Malaysia is the mix of religion and Politics where religion is used for self seeking politics rather than common good. Islam is use by Pas and Umno to undo each other by claiming to be champions of the religion. The battles of religious self righteousness among these political parties have weakened the role of religion in unifying communities. Can Umno and Pas create a context for bridge building among communities without the stain of extreme identity coated religious ideology? The answer is certainly no in the current context.
Dialogue within the scope of supremacy of religion
Thirdly a dialogue would be difficult if it is done in a context of religious supremacy. One has to take into consideration that Islamist in the country would prefer a dialogue within the scope of Islam rather than the spirit of constitutional principles or universal values. This is dangerous because dialogue is a matter of exploring something beyond Ethnic and religious identity, seeking the common good of the Nation. It is vital for religious leaders who are part of the JKMPKA to be aware of this trap that would make dialogue a tool within a frame work of a particular religious ideology.
Ambiguous direction of justice
Lastly the ambiguous justice created by the failure of judges to uphold the constitutional rights of the minority would weaken any interfaith dialogue. The on going battle over unilateral conversions does not give a clear direction in resolving this issue. The Indira Gandhi plight shows there is absents of remedy to mother who has been separated from her daughter due the justice system that is divided between upholding Islam and recognizing the supremacy of the constitution.
Solutions for authentic dialogue
Therefore it is my assertion that any interfaith dialogue to bear fruit it would need a right context, besides the understanding of Universal values that are not limited within the scope of a particular ideology. It cannot be limited to an ideological religion that believes that it is supreme to other religions. Right thinking Malaysians as whole respect Islam as an official religion of the country, but would never would want religion to be limited as a tool for political and coercive purpose. Unless these issues are addressed honestly by Political Leaders they would basically be a stumbling block to the success of interfaith dialogue. Basically I see there is a little chance for this dialogue to succeed unless the right context is created. It seems that the formation of this committee is more to do with the up coming Sarawak elections rather than sincerely and honestly seeking solutions for the common good of the nation.