How to save religious conflict in Sabah

Conflicts which arise due to religious differences could be solved through open discussions and an open mind, according to Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) Vice Chancellor Datuk Dr Mohd Harun Abdullah. Harun, who was represented by his Deputy Vice Chancellor Dr Shahril Yusof, said such conflicts don't only happen among the followers of the various religions. "Tension also arises between religious scholars and secular exponents who pioneered liberal thought," he added. He said this during the launching of a two-day National Conference on Religion and Society, with its theme "Malaysia's Community and Religion Dynamic in the 21st Century" held at UMS, here, Wednesday. The conference was organised by the university's Association of Mixed Methods Researchers and the Language and Knowledge Upgrading Centre.

"Discussions in this conference can certainly look beyond the metaphysic boundaries and will touch on tangible issues of the world."These discussions are important because there are those who give an impression that religion is something personal when a belief system has a bigger role towards a harmonious life and love for each other," he said, citing Albert Einsten's words "science without religion is blind." He hoped the gathering of academicians and professionals from various intellectual fields would provide a wider perspective into the topic."Religion does not belong exclusively to individuals who think they are perfect, but it belongs to everyone, thus, I hope this conference could bring a better understanding among our community of various religious background," he said. Meanwhile, the Language and Knowledge Upgrading Centre Dean, Dr Vincent Phang, said similarity does not necessarily bring understanding and differences do not necessarily lead to conflicts.

"How we balance these similarities and differences is what's important," said Phang who was represented by the Language and Knowledge Upgrading Centre's Research and Innovation Deputy, Dr Anantha Raman. He said understanding towards religion and different community lifestyle changes with time because what is considered appropriate in those days might not be considered appropriate today.

"Certainly there is rational behind the changes and this is why we need to create a platform where individuals can gather and share information on the changes, differences, similarities and relevant knowledge connected to religion and the society," he said.Also present was UMS' Association of Mixed Methods Researchers President Associate, Professor Dr Ahmad Tarmizi Abdul Rahman, who is also the conference organising chairman.

Sources: Daily Express