IPOH: The lack of discussions to create mutual understanding among people of different religions, cultures, and civilisations may lead to fear and hostility toward Islam, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said.
In his speech at the 7th World Conference on Islamic Thought and Civilization (WCIT), Anwar said all parties must take responsibility by engaging in dialogues and other platforms to foster stronger unity among the people to live and thrive in a multiracial country like Malaysia.
"The West, after the post-colonial period, still retains old precepts about others. Consequently, their misunderstanding, misinformation, and rejection of others result in what we now term Islamophobia.
"And we must also take responsibility when discussing civilization.
"How do we survive and live in a multiracial, multi-religious society like Malaysia if we avoid discussing other religions, cultures, and civilisations, while demanding that the West understand us?" he said during the three-day conference, which was held at Hotel Casuarina@Meru today.
The event was officiated by Sultan of Perak, Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah.
Present were Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Menteri Besar Perak Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad.
Anwar added that conferences like WCIT on Islamic topics are necessary for mutual understanding between the Muslim community and others.
"The problem we face in this world is complete ignorance. We assume we know, but we don't. We tend to address issues out of prejudice rather than empathy.
"This engagement is essential for us to understand others and for them to understand us.
"That is why we encourage not only conferences like this but also dialogues on Islam and Confucianism, which are very relevant not only in Malaysia but in this region," he said.
Anwar added that differences in race, tribe, and color are determined by Allah.
"This is not about tolerance; it is about learning from one another, understanding each other, and appreciating our differences.
"My contention is that we must have the courage to continue this engagement to understand and appreciate each other. This is necessary to achieve not only peace and prosperity but also sustainability through reasoned discourse," he added.