KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 9, 2015: The collaborative efforts to promote unity shown by Malay rights group Perkasa and Christians for Peace and Harmony Malaysia (CPHM) is exemplary.

Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Institute of Ethnic Studies director Prof Shamsul Amri Baharuddin said it was also a step towards ensuring development and called on the two groups to hold more dialogues with those of various religions.

Perkasa’s and CPHM’s efforts, he said in a statement, was a positive one that would open the door to communication and dialogue between the various religions to understand and explore each other’s religion.

Shamsul went on to suggest the two groups open other windows of dialogue to invite Buddhists, Hindus and others to a round table discussion with holistic educational programmes for the public.

“We hope that eventually this will bring about the unity that we all dreamed of.”

Shamsul added that this would be a golden opportunity for Malaysia in its effort towards unity.

Yesterday, Perkasa — which had previously issued statements that did not sit well with the non-Muslim community — had a closed-door meeting with CPHM, which was formed in June to promote mutual respect and acceptance among Malaysians.

According to a report by The Star Online, both organisations discussed working towards religious peace and established that it was time to stop politicising religion as it would only harm the country.

The meeting involved Perkasa president Datuk Ibrahim Ali and CPHM chief Reverend Wong Kim Kong, both of whom said that more joint activities would be held in the future.

Excited about the efforts between the two organisations, Shamsul encouraged more similar efforts among others.