Religion Must Remain Core In Building United Nation - Zulkifli

PUTRAJAYA, Feb 26 (Bernama) -- Religion must continue to be upheld as a core element in building a united and civilised nation, especially as society faces various crises and challenges in the present generation, says Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Dr Zulkifli Hasan.

He said the humanitarian, economic and social crises occurring globally today indirectly encouraged society to return to seeking religious values, ethics and guidance.

“What is happening in the world, humanitarian crises, systemic crises, whatever crises they may be, actually remind us as human beings to return to seeking God.

“Because society wants guidance and direction to deal with the crises that occur,” he said when speaking at the Iftar event organised by non-governmental organisations under the Malaysian Islamic Welfare Council (MAIM) here today.

He said the world was also witnessing secularism increasingly being questioned, which had encouraged people to look to religion as a guide.

Zulkifli said the development opened up significant space for non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and religious institutions to shape public thinking towards moral values and universal humanity.

He called on all NGOs and community leaders to set aside differences and move collectively in making Malaysia a model nation that is peaceful and harmonious, founded on religious and noble values.

“We want to build a nation where the people live in a harmonious and civilised environment,” he said.

Zulkifli added that the MADANI concept introduced by the government was a universal framework of thought that was aligned with the teachings of all religions and capable of becoming a foundation for unity among people of various races and beliefs.

-- BERNAMA