KOTA KINABALU: June 16, 2026 – The 2026 National Harmony Dialogue programme, themed “Harmony in Diversity: Strengthening Sabah’s Legacy of Tolerance”, was officially launched here today as part of efforts to reinforce interfaith harmony and provide a safe space for open exchange of views.
The event, organised by the Ministry of National Unity through the Department of National Unity and Integration (JPNIN), was officiated by National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang.
In his speech, he emphasised that interfaith dialogue serves as a bridge connecting diversity to unity within Malaysia’s plural society.
“Interfaith dialogue is a communication process that enables communities of different faiths to get to know one another, understand each other, show mutual respect and build trust,” he said.
He added that the primary goal of such dialogue is to find common ground in universal human values, including peace, compassion, mutual respect, justice and community wellbeing.
Commenting on Malaysia’s diversity, Aaron noted that the country is home to more than 200 ethnic and sub-ethnic groups, as well as multiple religions, living together in peace. However, he said this diversity requires wise management.
“If not handled properly, it can become a source of misunderstanding and division,” he said, adding that the challenges to harmony are becoming increasingly complex due to the spread of misinformation, hate speech on social media and growing social polarisation.
He also warned that a lack of interaction between groups could breed prejudice and, in turn, erode national unity.
Aaron said the MADANI government, through his ministry, is committed to strengthening harmony through the Harmoni MADANI initiative, which is built on four core principles: Understand, Respect, Accept and Celebrate.
He cited the success of dialogue in Northern Ireland (the Good Friday Agreement of 1998) and the post-apartheid reconciliation process in South Africa as evidence of the effectiveness of deliberative approaches in resolving differences.
Also serving as panellists in the dialogue session were Associate Professor Datuk Dr Lee Kuok Tiung (Universiti Malaysia Sabah), Datuk Haji Sapawi bin Haji Ahmad (the Sabah Islamic Organisation/USIA) and Reverend Wong Fui Kong (Sabah Council of Churches), all of whom are also members of the PADUNEGERI Sabah committee.
This year’s National Harmony Dialogue programme is being held at six locations across the country, beginning in Kedah (June 6), Sabah (June 16), Johor (June 20), Terengganu (June 27), Selangor (July 8) and Sarawak (July 25).
