TOLERANCE is used around the world as a tool for inviting people of different beliefs, ethnicities, races and nationalities to coexist and work together for the betterment of the nation.
In Malaysia, a country with multireligious and multi-ethnic communities, tolerance is important. It is essential to bring the people together with a view to contributing to the prosperity of the nation.
Religious beliefs, which are the source of moral and ethical fundamentals in society, must be duly respected through mutual tolerance.
For tolerance to work and to bring about coexistence in society, there needs to be a mutual effort by all parties/stakeholders.
Islam emphasises that its followers be considerate and tolerant of others, and this includes non-Muslims. Non-Muslims are required to have a strong sense of tolerance for the Muslim community, in the same manner as Islam requires Muslims to tolerate them.
Tolerance of the azan, halal food, burning of joss sticks and ceremonial gifts as offerings to ancestors during the Hungry Ghost festival and Thaipusam are among examples which Malaysians should understand and respect.
Tolerance must be practised according to the provisions laid down in the Federal Constitution. Islam is declared the religion of the Federation with the ruler of a state as the head of Islam.
Any person who defies, disobeys or disputes the orders or directions of the ruler as the head of Islam, is committing an offence and if convicted, is liable to a fine or imprisonment, or both.
The Rukun Negara, which was introduced following the May 13, 1969 riots, was aimed at achieving national and racial harmony and unity, and a key ingredient to ensuring success and stability of the country.
One of the important components is the principle of good behaviour, which encompasses the duty to be considerate of others, and not to make fun of others’ religious beliefs and cultural practices.
To touch on sensitive aspects of others’ religious beliefs and cultural practices is unacceptable as it could weaken the unity among people.
Sensitive issues affecting other religions ought to be resolved forthwith in the interest of the country.
Discrimination on the basis of religious and racial differences
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.
PROFESSOR DR ASHGAR ALI
ALI MOHAMED
Ahmad Ibrahim Kulliyyah of Laws, International Islamic University Malaysia