KUALA LUMPUR: Adopt a proactive approach and implement strategies that empower interaction and dialogue between religious groups and communities, in order to build a harmonious and united Malaysian society, said National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang. He emphasized the importance of interaction and dialogue as fundamental tools capable of bridging divides, fostering understanding, and uniting people as one. Without these elements, mistrust festers, conflicts escalate, and opportunities for unity diminish.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Aaron highlighted that in a harmonious society, interaction and dialogue enable people to appreciate diversity, address misunderstandings, and unite in pursuit of common goals. “Interaction is the thread that weaves together the diverse tapestry of our society. Dialogue, on the other hand, is the medium through which we articulate our values, resolve conflicts, and chart a path toward collective progress,” he remarked. He pointed out that one of the significant barr
iers to meaningful interaction is polarization, exacerbated by misinformation, prejudice, and a lack of understanding of each other’s experiences. Many hesitate to engage in dialogue due to fear of judgment or rejection.
Aaron made these remarks while officiating the third International Interfaith Peace Conference (IIPC) organized by the Allied Coordinating Committee of Islamic NGOs (ACCIN) in Kuala Lumpur. He noted that technology has created echo chambers where individuals interact only with those who share their beliefs, which stifles diverse perspectives and deepens societal divides. Furthermore, digital divides leave marginalized communities without access to these platforms, further isolating them from meaningful discourse. Aaron called for promoting digital literacy and encouraging dialogue that transcends the virtual world into real-life interactions.
As the Minister of National Unity, Aaron pledged to intensify efforts toward building bridges across communities, stressing that this is not a task fo
r the government alone but a shared responsibility that requires the participation of every citizen, community, and organization. The IIPC 2024, now in its third year in Malaysia, is timely, given the global threats to peace and ongoing oppression, particularly in Palestine. With the theme ‘Essentiality of Interaction and Dialogue for a Truly Harmonious Society,’ the conference gathers leaders and adherents of various faiths worldwide to address this critical topic amidst global turmoil.
When asked about the possibility of hosting a dialogue with Pope Francis, the leader of the Catholic Church, to promote inter-religious dialogue in Malaysia, Aaron expressed openness to the idea, stating, “Yes, we are open to it.”