LETTERS: It is commendable that some civil society groups have launched the #MZB365 (Maaf Zahir Batin) campaign to urge Malaysians towards reconciliation every day of the year.
This is a campaign that the National Unity Ministry should adopt and adapt to include people of all faiths.
Its tenets of forgiveness and repentance are common to faiths practiced in this country. They are also central to the beliefs of indigenous peoples.
If and when this becomes a national mantra, we can look forward to the day when forgiveness after atonement is preferred over retribution.
This is the right time to embrace #MZB365 because of rising religious tensions.
The "Allah" socks issue has not died down despite calls by the authorities for forgiveness and reconciliation.
In fact, there are signs that it has spilled over. A video on social media shows a male desecrating temple idols. And there is a call to boycott businesses run by people of different faiths.
An age-old phrase says "to err is human, to forgive divine". It reflects the idea that making mistakes is a natural part of being human, while forgiving others is a quality associated with divinity and magnanimity.
We should act to restore rationality, to emphasise unity in diversity. In short, to seriously reflect on and practise the principles of Rukunegara.
Failure to address racial and religious prejudices can lead to deepening divisions in society.
When different ethnic and religious groups harbour animosity towards one another, it erodes social cohesion and trust.
So let's use this blessed Hari Raya season to inculcate the spirit of Maaf, Zahir dan Batin in everyone.
TAN SRI LEE LAM THYE
Member, National Unity Advisory Council
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times
