Time to come together: Malaysians are urged to make #MZB365 a success as the practice of forgiveness is paramount in all religions. — ZHAFARAN NASIB/ The Star
Seeking and giving forgiveness not just during Hari Raya
PETALING JAYA: Malaysian media corporations and civil society organisations (CSOs) are standing for racial unity and have collectively launched a campaign called “Maaf Zahir Batin Hari Hari” or known as #MZB365.
This initiative aims to promote the practice of seeking and giving forgiveness among Malaysians throughout the year, extending beyond the Hari Raya Aidilfitri festival.
“This practice is a teaching in Islam, and also in the value system of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism, Taoism and the indigenous communities of Sabah, Sarawak and the peninsula,” said a joint statement by CSOs and participating media.
“Let’s make seeking and giving forgiveness an all-year-long practice, not limited to the Aidilfitri and the month of Syawal, but from the first day of Muharam to the last day of Zulhijjah, from Jan 1 to Dec 31, 365 days a year,” it added.
There are a growing number of participating CSOs and among them are Projek Sama, Angkatan Belia Islam Malaysia (Abim), Kuala Lumpur & Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall (KLSCAH), G25, Architect of Diversity (AOD), Muslim Professional Forum (MFP), Ideas, Patriot, Gerakan Belia Sepunjabi Malaysia, Pure Life Society, Buddhist Missionary Society Malaysia, Gabungan Bertindak Malaysia (GBM), Allied Coordinating Committee of Islamic NGOs (Accin) and Ikram Malaysia.
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In the joint statement, the participants urged Malaysians to make #MZB365 a success because people make mistakes and therefore, all should be ready to seek and give forgiveness every day.
“If we are reluctant to seek forgiveness, then the harms we have caused – intended or not, due to bad deeds or misjudgements, big or small – will stay and destroy ties between each other,” it said.
The joint statement stressed that seeking and giving forgiveness is even more important now as there are individuals and groups who are looking for opportunities to divide society for their vested political, business and personal interests.
“They find faults that can be amplified to sow distrust and hatred so that they can emerge as their community heroes to the point that some even break the law through arson and violence.
“The phenomenon of populism built on hatred and conspiracy theories has paralysed countries, destroyed societies, damaged economies, starved children, sunk dreams and even killed people in many parts of the world.
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“We must make sure Malaysia does not follow in their footsteps,” it said, adding that the rule of law must be upheld without compromise if laws have been violated.
“When minds have been deceived by propaganda and lies, truth and logical thinking must be upheld,” it added.
There is no better solution to this issue other than grace, as it may strengthen ties, reduce hatred, build trust and defeat those who want to exploit circumstances, the group added.
“Malaysians are capable of rising to the occasion when facing the toughest of challenges,” it said.
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The statement added that seeking and giving forgiveness can happen between anyone; between husband and wife, parents and teachers, and even between individuals who break laws and strangers whose paths cross each other’s, it said.
“On the other hand, when we forgive, this does not mean that we have become weaker and unwittingly encourage more trespasses and mistakes.
“It is certainly not about compromising the rule of law. When the trespasses are offences under the law, the offenders must still face trial and punishments.
“Pardon and commutation of sentences only happen when the convict is aware of his wrongs, admits guilt, makes restitution and/or strives not to repeat the trespass,” it said.
“During the Covid-19 pandemic, we have the #KitaJagaKita movement.
“To counter ethno-religious hatred, let us do #MZB365, let us fight hatred with grace every day. Join and make this movement a success,” it added.
