The Christian Federation of Malaysia has warned that extremist ideologies, narrow views and divisive forces could undermine national unity and threaten the country’s shared future.
In a message dated Aug. 26 for Hari Merdeka and Malaysia Day, the federation urged Malaysians to safeguard the country’s diversity and remain alert to forces that could weaken social cohesion.
“We must always remain vigilant against divisive elements, narrow views and extremist ideologies that seek to fracture our unity and threaten the future we share together,” the federation said in an English translation of its Malay-language statement.
The Christian Federation of Malaysia comprises the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Malaysia, the Council of Churches of Malaysia and the National Evangelical Christian Fellowship Malaysia.
The federation said the formation of Malaysia gave rise to a shared identity that transcends differences in ethnicity, religion and historical background.
“Regardless of race, religion or historical background, we are all Malaysians — one people, united as one country,” it said.
The Christian leaders said that shared identity carries a responsibility to build a society united for the common good.
They said Malaysia had been entrusted with rich diversity, strong social bonds, natural resources and national wealth that must be managed and protected for the prosperity and well-being of all.
The federation stressed that national unity should not require communities to surrender their distinct identities.
“Unity does not mean uniformity; instead, it is unity in diversity,” it said.
“Our strength lies in our ability to respect one another, celebrate differences and work together, while continuing to uphold our respective identities, cultures and beliefs.”
The federation urged Malaysians not to take the country’s distinct character for granted, warning that what had been entrusted to them could be lost if people failed to appreciate and preserve it.
Hari Merdeka marks independence from colonial rule and the country’s journey toward sovereignty, while Malaysia Day commemorates the union of Malaya, Sabah and Sarawak to form Malaysia, according to the federation.
As the country marks the two national observances, the federation called on Malaysians to protect the unity built across religious, cultural and historical differences.
