TOLERANCE has been commonly and consistently propagated around the world as an important tool for people of different beliefs, ethnicity and nationalities to coexist and work together for the betterment of their nation.
Wednesday, 25 Oct 2017
In multireligious and multi-ethnic societies like Malaysia, tolerance among the different communities is essential and achievable if there is mutual effort from all parties concerned.
Religious beliefs, which are the source of moral and ethical fundamentals in society, must be duly respected through mutual tolerance.
Islam emphasises that its followers should be considerate and tolerant to others, including non-Muslims. Likewise, non-Muslims are required to have a sense of tolerance towards Muslims in the same manner as Islam requires Muslims to have tolerance towards them.
The Rukunegara, which was introduced following the May 13, 1969 incident, is aimed at achieving national and racial harmony and unity, the key ingredient for the success and stability of the country.
An important component of the Rukunegara is the principle of good behaviour which encompasses the duty to be considerate of others and not to belittle or mock others’ religious beliefs and cultural practices.
Preferences based on religion only, such as Muslims-only laundry shop, Muslims-only hair salon, Muslims-only patrons of a restaurant, Muslims-only cutlery and Muslims-only sitting arrangements at certain public places, among others, should not be tolerated as this would cause racial disharmony.
Likewise, advertisements that are discriminatory or offensive in nature against any particular race, religion or group in the country must be avoided.
Discrimination on the basis of religion and race is against the Federal Constitution. Article 3(1) of the Constitution says that Islam is the religion of the Federation but provides that “other religions may be practised in peace and harmony in any part of the Federation”. Article 8(1) provides for equality before the law for all persons and Article 11(1) gives every person the right to profess and practise his or her religion.
These constitutional provisions must be respected and upheld.
ASHGAR ALI ALI MOHAMED
Ahmad Ibrahim Kulliyyah of Laws
International Islamic University Malaysia
http://www.thestar.com.my/opinion/letters/2017/10/25/uphold-federal-constitution-and-rukunegara-to-preserve-national-harmony/
