Malaysia is a beautifully diverse nation, and being culturally rich includes having people of many different faiths coexisting in this remarkable country. So when the YES alumni called out for participants for the Interfaith Dialogue event, I jumped at the chance, thinking that it would be a fresh and interesting experience, as most YES events tend to be.
And boy was I right! Once again, the YES alumni did not disappoint. I was wary at first at the thought of opening up to the topic of religion, but just as they assured us, the Interfaith Dialogue provided a safe space for us to discuss freely and even pose questions, sensitive/controversial or no, about different religions, something that might be considered taboo in other places, sometimes even in our own homes.
The event kicked off with the usual ice-breaking, and the turnout participants were a good mix of people of different faiths. We then moved on to an activity that required us to write down anything we knew or our opinions about the religions practiced in Malaysia, including Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, Christianity, Sikhism and even Baha’i Faith. As we went around with our markers scribbling onto mahjong papers, I was surprised at how much I did not know about the religions that weren’t my own, to the point that I had little to contribute. Some of the statements under each religion were then addressed and corrected afterwards.
We were also given the opportunity to write down our questions anonymously relating to different aspects such as family, women, taboos, LGBTQ+ and so on, which were later used in discussion among the participants as well as with the invited guest speakers (a Muslim, a Christian, a Hindu and a Baha’i speaker). This was the time to voice out our views and ask questions that could be answered by corresponding religious speakers. Later on, the religious speakers each presented sessions that covered the fundamentals of their religion and how each respective religion promotes peacekeeping.
All in all, the sessions conducted throughout the day were very enlightening and gave much food for thought. The most interesting thing I found is that every religion, at its most basic and truest form, is the same: they all teach people to love and do good. For most Malaysians, religion is an ever-important pillar of our lives, but learning about other religions is often discouraged for fear of someone straying or losing faith in their own religion. However, I believe that ignorance leads to misunderstanding, and as we progress into a new Malaysian era, the need for love and understanding is at its very highest.
And as I think about the room full of inquisitive and open-minded participants, full of empathy and hope, I know that we’re on the right track.
Written by,
Shelby Kua
YES ’17
YES Alumni Malaysia 
One reply on “YES Interfaith Dialogue – Peacekeeping through Religions and Faiths”
I’m very proud of this information and I’m very excited to apply