Celebrate differences, don’t just tolerate them, says Saifuddin

Former Foreign Minister Saifuddin Abdullah urged Malaysians to shift their focus from simply tolerating one another to embracing and celebrating their differences. He argued that tolerance alone often equates to merely coexisting with those who are different, whereas celebration of diversity involves actively engaging with one another.

Saifuddin pointed to the Quranic concept of lita’arafu, which emphasizes the creation of mankind as distinct nations and tribes so they may come to know one another. For him, the essence lies in knowing and appreciating each other's differences. He emphasized that this understanding transcends mere acquaintance and calls for actively celebrating those differences.

He noted that Islam provides numerous examples of the Prophet Muhammad demonstrating respect and recognition towards those perceived as different, a term used to describe individuals outside one’s own group. However, Saifuddin cautioned that merely tolerating others does not lead to harmony. Celebration of diversity fosters genuine relationships and cooperation, which are essential for peaceful coexistence.

At the New Muslim Community Conference, FMT executive chairman Nelson Fernandez echoed Saifuddin's sentiments, stressing the importance of compassion in reporting and discussions on race and religion. He highlighted that compassionate journalism can help steer public conversations away from conflict and towards mutual understanding.

Saifuddin emphasized that the distinction between tolerating and celebrating diversity should guide national unity policies. He recalled his own experience in Cabinet, where he advocated for "celebrating diversity" over "tolerance" in unity policy discussions, as the latter fosters a more positive and inclusive approach. He stressed that compassion should be viewed not merely as a soft or abstract concept, but as a practical foundation for harmonious coexistence among Malaysians.