Malaysia, Holy See to promote peaceful coexistence

PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia and the Holy See can work together in areas where the concept of peaceful coexistence is important, said Foreign Minister Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah.

This, he said was raised with the outgoing Vatican ambassador to Malaysia, Archbishop Joseph Salvador Marino, that both could organise roundtable discussions and interfaith dialogues in the future.

“This is not limiting the discussion on government-to-government relations but also brings in the civil society and religious groups like the Friendship Group for Inter-Religious Service. This is the kind of togetherness we need to uphold and promote,” he said.

Saifuddin was speaking to reporters after the farewell hi-tea reception for the outgoing Vatican ambassador to Malaysia, hosted by Wisma Putra, here today.

He said peaceful coexistence and harmonious relations among the Malaysian people is in the constitution but some people are misinterpreting this.

Saifuddin said the constitution’s fundamentals were strong and gives sufficient platform for the Malaysian people of different faiths to live and work together.

Meanwhile, Archbishop Joseph who has been in Malaysia for six and a half years, said the Holy See would continue to collaborate with Malaysia on mutual interest areas.

He thanked the government and the Foreign Ministry for the courtesy and friendship during his tenure in representing the Holy See in Malaysia.

“People ask me what I will miss most about Malaysia. I said it is the people of Malaysia because in my experience during my stint in different countries, I find the Malaysian people truly gracious, kind, gentle, warm and welcoming with their lovely smiles,” he said.

He said the people of Malaysia should preserve and protect the peaceful coexistence where other religions have the right to worship despite the majority of the population being Muslims. – Bernama