Exploring the right context for authentic and progressive dialogue — M. Kula Segaran

MARCH 3 — The importance of context in interfaith dialogue

The setting of an interfaith committee consisting of 35 members on February 14th 2016 by Prime Minister Najib Razak  to promote understanding and harmony among religious adherence (JKMPKA) seems to be in the right direction. Interfaith dialogue is vital in multi-ethnic and multi-religious Malaysia where issues would be better resolved through dialogue rather than going to courts that is adversarial in nature. While the initiative reflects a positive approach questions remain on what basis such dialogues will take place and whether Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak and his Party have the political will to create the right context to promote understanding. There are various situations in the past and also currently 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 proposed 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 the role of Umno’s propaganda tool Utusan Malaysia in instigating communal tensions in the country in the run-up to the 2012 general elections and now. The Prime Minister, who depends on the support of right-wing extremists and business oligarchs for his political survival since losing the two-third majority in Parliament, chose to remain silent, while Umno extremists and NGOs related to them, were undermining his inclusive political agenda. In record he never forcefully denounced extremism, and his support for the racially charged Red Shirt rally is an example of not being able to stand up for the principles of his so-called 1Malaysia. Political expediency takes precedence when the going gets tough. Could harmony and understanding that are envisaged 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 weaken 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 used 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 the context of religious supremacy. One has to take into consideration that Islamists 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 framework 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 ongoing battle over unilateral conversions does not give a clear direction in resolving this issue. The Indira Gandhi plight shows there is an absence of a remedy for a mother who has been separated from her daughter due to a justice system that is divided between upholding Islam and recognising the supremacy of the constitution.

Solutions for authentic dialogue

Therefore it is my assertion that for 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 superior to other religions. Right thinking Malaysians as whole respect Islam as an official religion of the country, but would never 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 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 upcoming Sarawak elections rather than sincerely and honestly seeking solutions for the common good of the nation.

* M. Kula Segaran is Member of Parliament for Ipoh Barat and DAP National Vice Chairman in Ipoh.

**This is the personal opinion of the writer and does not necessarily represent the views of Malay Mail Online.