Religious forums behind closed doors allow for solutions

Religious forums behind closed doors allow for solutions
Friday, 03 December 2010 09:53am
©The Sun (Used by permission)
by Tan Yi Liang


KUALA LUMPUR (Dec 2, 2010): It is better for religious forums and workshops to be held behind closed door so that issues can be discussed and resolved in a rational manner, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Jamil Khir Baharom said today.

Speaking after the start of a two-day strategic and development plan workshop organised by the Committee for the Promotion of Religious Understanding and Harmony, Jamil said closed-door meetings allowed participants to come to a consensus.

"We do this behind closed doors so we can solve the issues. If we open it, too many would come and we would not get a united view," said Khir, who described it as a "good start".

Some 50 representatives from the various faiths are attending the workshop.



Khir said that the role of religious societies was an important one in building "a Malaysia that is more united and one where the people help one another".

He added that the government would seek the advice of the committee from time to time to be evaluated and brought further.

Also present was Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon, who said that he supported "this noble effort".

"The prime minister puts his full support and belief behind religious leaders who are keen to help the government to create understanding between worshipers of different faiths," said Koh.