-K. Siladas, April 21, 2016.

Comparison of distinct religious beliefs could be interesting if it is pursued with an open mind to discover the unifying thread of all faiths; but, it can turn out to be dangerous, harmful and catastrophic if the comparison-exercise, while extolling the grandeur of one’s own religion, is aimed to ridicule, undermine and abuse other faiths. Based on this premiss, comparison of religions could be an unrewarding, futile exercise if it is done to promote disbelief and pave way to inject hatred against other faiths.

We must admit that unreasonable differences in religious belief are very real, but, when you are talking about the faiths, one cannot discard the dangers that are so inherent because of prevailing warped notions: especially when a faith takes the position that its dogmas are superior to others, forgetting that beliefs are simply beliefs.

Perhaps it is because of this inherent human weakness in religious matters, Article 3(1) was entrenched in the Federal Constitution. It is a very unique provision which states that Islam is the religion of the Federation, and adds in no unequivocal term that other religions could be practised in peace and harmony in any part of the Federation. It could be seen that Islam being the religion of the State, other religions’ protection is guaranteed.

The secure constitutional protection of Islam in the Constitution is burdened with a unique responsibility and that is, Islam has the duty to protect the religions of minorities. It is clear, then, the religions of the minorities should not be questioned and their faiths cannot be called in question, and most importantly there should be no condemnation of other religions’ existence.

It follows, therefore, Malaysia and all its member States have the paramount duty to ensure that the foundation of religious harmony envisaged in Article 3(1) is preserved. Those who venture to condemn and criticise other religions are doing so out of spite and in violation of Article 3(1) and other provisions in the Constitution which guarantee the existence of all religions. And those who transgress these protective constitutional safeguards cannot be regarded as persons with noble intentions. They, indeed, are perpetrators who work to retard mutual understanding and harmony among all faiths. We must make it plain that those who do not appreciate the fragile racial and religious balance in this country, its significance, dignity and worth are indeed ignoring human values.