Persidangan Muslim baharu bina jambatan menerusi dialog

The first Community Muslim Youth Congress 2026 is set to take place at the Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur on September 13. The event aims to promote dialogue based on the values of love and respect in Islam, rather than based on anger, hatred or a desire to prove one community is more correct than others. Organized by Al Khadeem Foundation (AKF), the congress focuses on whether new Muslims, or mualaf, can contribute to resolving issues of community and identity in Malaysia, which are often tense.

AKF President and Founding Sheikh, Sheikh Hussain Yee, believes they can do so not because the new Muslim community is separate from each other, but because many mualaf have experienced the social divide in Malaysia. Many mualaf continue to live with family and non-Muslim communities, while identifying as Muslim. They are the most qualified to speak about division in Malaysia, as they have experienced it from multiple angles in the discourse.

The initiative also acknowledges that the new Muslim community itself is not a monolithic perspective. Like other communities, there are diverse viewpoints, including extremist or simple approaches. Sheikh Hussain emphasized that rather than avoiding differences, AKF wants to bring all parties to the table with courtesy and respect.

The aim is not for mualaf to simply follow public opinion, nor to stubbornly maintain their religious beliefs, but to have confidence in how they view something from a different perspective, highlighting their experiences for national unity. Sheikh Hussain stressed that Malaysia needs such discussions, which must be handled with love, respect, and shared community spirit, especially when public discourse on race and religion becomes increasingly tense, with social media often amplifying misinterpretation and prejudice.

The thought behind the NMCC's second call, themed Bridging Two Worlds, Healing One Nation, is to bring together new Muslims, long-time Muslims, and Malaysian citizens from various backgrounds for a discussion on religious beliefs, identity, and social harmony. The panel of esteemed speakers includes Nelson Fernandez, Executive Director of FMT Media Sdn Bhd; Sheahnee Iman Lee, Content Creator and former news anchor; and Adnan Lee, Head of MBG Fruits Communications. The congress is scheduled to run from 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur.