New Muslims conference aims to build bridges through dialogue

The New Muslims Community Conference 2026 is set to take place at Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur on September 13, aiming to foster dialogue grounded in Islam's values of compassion and respect. Organized by the Al Khadeem Foundation (AKF), the conference seeks to explore whether new Muslims, or reverts to Islam, can contribute to resolving Malaysia's often contentious discussions on race and identity.

AKF president and founder Sheikh Hussain Yee believes they can, citing their unique experiences of living within non-Muslim families and communities while navigating their identity as Muslims. Many reverts understand Malaysia's social divisions firsthand and can help bridge the gaps between different perspectives. The conference, themed "Bridging Two Worlds, Healing One Nation," will bring together new Muslims, born Muslims, and Malaysians of various races and backgrounds to discuss faith, identity, and social harmony.

Prominent panellists include Nelson Fernandez, Sheahnee Iman Lee, and Adnan Lee. Sheikh Hussain emphasized the importance of approaching these difficult conversations with compassion, mutual respect, and a shared sense of community, especially in light of strained public discourse on race and religion, often exacerbated by social media.