Proposed Malaysia Harmony Charter approved

PUTRAJAYA, Aug 8 (Bernama) -- The Inter-Faith Harmony Committee (HARMONI) meeting here today approved the proposed Malaysia Harmony Charter as a medium for unity and harmony among Malaysians.

The charter encompasses six principles, 12 harmony values, 32 guidelines and nine directions, and will contain a guideline covering permissible and avoidable matters in strengthening relations among the country's multi-ethnic, religious and cultural society.

The Ministry of National Unity and the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) in a joint statement today informed that HARMONI also agreed to establish the Programmes and Activities Management Bureau, the Education and Promotions Bureau and the Religious Issues and Mediation Bureau.

Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Seri Mohd Na'im Mokhtar said in the same statement that he hoped the bureaus would be able to play a role in coordinating and implementing effective activities towards bringing a united and harmonious Malaysia among Malaysians.

Minister of National Unity Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang said although the ministry did not have special provisions such as an act to take legal action, his ministry through the National Unity and Integration Department played an important role in helping to manage unity issues including through the E-Sepakat system and Unity Analytics Dashboard.

Earlier, the HARMONI meeting co-chaired by Aaron and Mohd Na'im was held to discuss efforts to strengthen harmony and unity among Malaysians of various races, religions and cultures.

-- BERNAMA