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| BE PROUD: Abdul Karim urging young Sarawakians to be proud of the cohesion and harmony that have been long existing in the state |
KUCHING: The Soul2Soul 2.0 interfaith forum entitled “Tweeting Up Unity: Social Cohesion Through Social Media” at the Christian Ecumenical Worship Centre here yesterday is a shining example of the state’s religious harmony.
This was said by Youth Development assistant minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah when officiating at the opening of the forum organised by Azam and Islamic Information Centre (IIC), yesterday.
He added the choice of a Christian centre for the venue bore testimony to the state’s religious tolerance and the unique harmony among the people.
“I don’t think it would be possible to do this in the peninsula without some people inciting tension,” said Abdul Karim, who pointed out that the racial and religious tension prevalent in the peninsula had never been an issue in Sarawak.
“In Sarawak we help one another, regardless of race or religion. In the old days, I attended mission school and went to church as part of the education system, but it did not make me any less of a Muslim. In fact, the old system made us more understanding and tolerant of each other.
“It was a beautiful in the past. I hope the youths today will learn and do not be too engrossed with what politicians or NGOs say nowadays. Young Sarawakians should be proud of the cohesion that is only unique in Sarawak,” he
Touching on the forum, Abdul Karim called on social media savvy youths to use the various tools in the internet to enhance the existing social cohesion among Sarawakians to create greater understanding and strengthen unity.
“The youths today must not take for granted the harmony and stability. They must ensure that the well-knitted fabric be kept intact. It is more crucial to understand in these times of fast-moving technology and maintain what we have all this while.
“Abuse of social media leads to misunderstanding and create tension. It can be a stumbling block to the state’s attempt at development,” he said.
Meanwhile, invited keynote speaker and panelist Datin Paduka Marina Mahathir Marina said in the right hands, social media could promote cohesion.
“In the old days before the Internet, news travelled slower and reactions also slower. Now with the Internet and social media, news travel faster and further.
“Social media if used correctly can help in mobilising people to do something good for the society such as charity or fund-raising events and movements that propagate peace and solidarity. It is instrumental in bringing people together for worthy causes,” she said.
Despite the potential of social media, Marina did not believe that it is the answer to everything.
“Many things should start from schools. We must educate our children on respecting each other and emphasise that it is not wrong to have difference in opinions. Children must be taught to have critical thinking skills on judging what is right or wrong,” she stressed.
The prolific writer, blogger and TV producer pointed out that in order to have interfaith harmony and social cohesion, there must be respect and equality among those involved in discussing many issues.
“Tweeting Up Unity: Social Cohesion Through Social Media” was participated by more than 200 youths from various tertiary institutions and government agencies. It was a platform for them to discuss the issue on hand especially in relation to interfaith and interracial harmony.
Also present were Azam chief executive officer Datu Aloysius Dris, IIC chief executive officer Zabariah Matali and Azam Youth Development Committee chairman Mohd Ariff Irwani Azahari.
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