A Malaysian delegation led by IKIM’s Diretor General attended the Cebu Dilaogue on Regional Interfaith Cooperation for Peace, Development and Human Dignity, held from the 14th until 16th of March 2006 in the Philipines. The Dialogue was held in the Shangri-la Hotel, Cebu at Macatan Island was jointly organized by the host country, Indonesia, Australia and New Zealand.
150 delegates representing 15 countries from ASEAN and the Asia Pacific namely Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Timor Leste, New Zealand, Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Brunei, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, Philippines, Singapore, Vietnam and Myanmar attended the 3 day event.
The dialogue was part of an annual event held to promote interfaith cooperation in the region and is intended to provide feedback to the respective governments when formulating national and foreign policy for the achievement of enduring peace and security, through equitable social and economic development.
The Cebu dialogue was a follow-up to the first interfaith dialogue held in Yogyakarta, Indonesia in 2004 in the aftermath of the Bali bombings. It was officiated by President Gloria Macapagal Aroyo..
The Cebu Dialogue focused on regional interfaith cooperation. Other themes that was discussed during the respective workshops were: interfaith cooperation for regional peace and security; human dignity, development and interfaith cooperation; the role of education in promoting interfaith cooperation, and the role of the media.
Amidst tight security, the event was also graced by the Prime Minister of New Zealand, Helen Clark, who was on a state visit to commemorate the 40 years anniversary of relations with the Philippines.
Although each participating country was asked to send 10 delegates, Malaysia was represented by only 4 participants. Nevertheless, the Malaysian delegates actively contributed to each workshop and shared their outspoken opinion and thoughts with other participants.
During the workshops, the Malaysian delegates emphasized the manifestation and implementation of the agenda surrounding the theme “Human dignity, Development and Interfaith Cooperation” which would have a permanent effect on the progress and development of man’s future life and dialogue between religions.
The Malaysian delegates reaffirmed Malaysia’s commitment to dialogue in recognition of the diversity of cultures, peoples and faiths in the region, while at the same time recognizes the rights of individuals within those diverse groups.
Citing the Malaysian experience in interfaith dialogue, we offered to share our successes in establishing harmony resulting in stable government, an aspect fundamental to the development of any country.
It was further emphasized that understanding of the diverse opinions particular to each group should be through knowledge and understanding of the various worldviews and understandings of historical fact particular to each cultural and religious representation as it is the fundamental element if mutual respect, co-existence and understanding is to be achieved.
This awareness will only be possible through the adoption of erudite definition with regard to issues deemed universal, namely, democracy, pluralism, multiculturalism, human rights, freedom, responsibility, human dignity, development, tolerance and justice .
In this regard, Malaysia has proven itself to be successful and has been a model of harmony and co-existence for many other countries of the world.
The Malaysian delegates also reiterated that all the aforementioned elements required of a civil society refer to fundamental values existent in all the world’s major religions and faiths. Yet, their interpretation and definition defer in accordance with each respective worldview and historical experience. Therefore it is of vital importance for one to have a conceptual as well as historical understanding of the other.
It is only by understanding one another’s respective interpretation of history, the worldview and those conceptual philosophies dictating those worldviews, one is able to adopt certain tangible methods of action which may then address each others strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. These are vital if friendship, understanding and cooperation is the aim.
A universal understanding of these elements is of the greatest importance if what is desired is peace and cooperation towards the establishment of a common conceptual philosophy of human dignity and development.
The Malaysian opinion received positive reaction from other participating delegates. In an impromptu meeting arranged by New Zealand’s delegates to plan for the following year’s agenda, New Zealand indicated that Malaysia’s presence is important and vital. New Zealand is hosting the next dialogue in 2007.
The conclusions that were made during these discussions were submitted to the plenary committee where the basis of the “Cebu Declaration on Regional Interfaith for Peace, Development and Human Dignity,” which will represent the purpose of the dialogue, will be formulated.
The final draft of the Cebu Declaration has yet to be finalized. Perhaps it will be tabled and adopted at the next “dialogue scheduled” for 2007 in New Zealand.
We look forward to be part of this ongoing effort in future and pray that our contribution and thoughts have enlightened and broadened the perspectives of interfaith dialogue in search of peace, harmony, understanding, co-existence and cooperation throughout the region.