Harmony Dialogue with Indian Multi-Ethnic Community Strengthens Unity in Kampung Kongsi 6

ᵇʸ: ᴹᴼᴴᴰ ˢʸᴬᴴᴿᴵᴸ ᴿᴼˢᴰᴵ ᴬᴴᴹᴬᴰ ᶻᴬᴴᵁᴰᴵ

SUNGAI PETANI, 7 SEPTEMBER 2025 – The Harmony Dialogue and Community Engagement Programme with the Indian multi-ethnic community held at the Kampung Kongsi 6 Multipurpose Hall, Bedong, successfully brought together local residents in an atmosphere of warmth, respect and unity.

The programme, which drew more than 150 participants from the local Indian community, was jointly organised by the Muslim Welfare Organisation Malaysia (PERKIM) National Headquarters and the Federal Territory Islamic Religious Council (MAIWP).

It also received the support of the Islamic Dakwah and Welfare Association of Indian Muslim Converts Malaysia (AL-HIDAYAH) Kedah Branch and PERKIM Kuala Muda District Branch, attracting diverse participation regardless of faith or ethnicity, and showcasing the true essence of Malaysia’s harmony in diversity.

The event began with registration handled by the PERKIM National secretariat with the assistance of Kuala Muda PERKIM volunteers. The enthusiastic turnout of Kampung Kongsi 6 residents filled the multipurpose hall, reflecting the community’s openness and goodwill in embracing the harmony initiative.

The programme was emceed by AL-HIDAYAH Kedah Treasurer, Ustazah Nurasiqin Abdullah.

In his closing remarks, PERKIM National Director of Education and Human Development, YBhg Dr Suariza @ Hidayah Muhammad, representing PERKIM Honorary Secretary-General, YBhg Dato’ Dr Haji Mohamad Marzuki Mohamad Omar, conveyed warm greetings and expressed appreciation to all parties who made the programme a success.

“On behalf of the entire PERKIM fraternity, I extend our highest appreciation to MAIWP for its support and financial contributions that made this programme possible,” Dr Suariza said.

He congratulated the organising committee for successfully arranging activities such as community clean-up, house-to-house visits, and fostering stronger ties with the villagers.

“Although of different races and religions, the villagers welcomed the volunteers with warmth, courtesy and a sense of family. This is the true face of Malaysia – a multiracial nation bound by unity,” he said.

Dr Suariza stressed that the programme was not merely about visits but about bridging divides between races and religions, nurturing goodwill, and strengthening bonds of kinship.

He added that the initiative not only deepened the relationship between organisers and the local community, but also proved that Malaysians can live in peace, harmony and mutual respect despite differences in religion and culture.

The Harmony Dialogue itself, conducted entirely in Tamil, was delivered by AL-HIDAYAH Kedah Chairman, Ustaz Mohd Naim Islam Abdullah, alongside independent preacher, Dr Ameer Abdullah.

In his talk, Ustaz Naim – recipient of the Kedah State Maulidur Rasul Award 1447H – emphasised that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is the most revered and praised figure in history, with his name itself meaning “the praised one.” He noted that even opponents of Islam acknowledged the Prophet’s noble character.

Dr Ameer discussed prophecies regarding the coming of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) found in various religious texts, including Hindu, Buddhist, Persian and Christian traditions. He highlighted that Islamic teachings could be shared with wisdom, courtesy and compassion by drawing from cultural references familiar to different communities.

He explained that the Buddhist figure of Maitreya was foretold as a final guide, while ancient Persian scripture Dasatir mentioned a prophet from Arabia who would overcome the Persian empire. The Christian Bible, too, contains references to the Prophet in the Songs of Solomon and the Gospel of John.

“World figures also recognised the greatness of the Prophet. George Bernard Shaw regarded him as a solution to global crises, Mahatma Gandhi rejected claims that Islam spread by the sword, and Western historians such as William Muir and Dr William Draper acknowledged his leadership as a driving force of civilisation,” he said.

Ustaz Naim concluded by underscoring that recognition of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) exists not only in Islam but also in other religions and by global thinkers, affirming his role as a mercy for all creation.

The dialogue was further enlivened by a Merdeka quiz, general knowledge and history questions involving children and villagers.

Kampung Kongsi 6 Federal Village Development and Security Committee (JPKKP) Assistant Chairman, Muniandy A/L Subramaniam, welcomed the initiative and the guests, noting that since the previous afternoon, PERKIM and AL-HIDAYAH committees had worked hand-in-hand with villagers in cleaning the hall to ensure the smooth running of the programme.

They later conducted door-to-door visits inviting villagers to attend the dialogue.

The event also featured the presentation of a PERKIM souvenir plaque by Dr Suariza to Muniandy. As a gesture of honour, the villagers adorned Dr Suariza, Ustaz Naim and Dr Ameer with floral garlands, symbolising their appreciation of the organisers’ efforts.

Dr Suariza also presented food aid packages to 55 families, each set containing basic necessities such as rice, instant noodles, sardines, condensed milk, cooking oil, vermicelli, and other items.

The programme concluded with a group photography session with the villagers followed by a lunch reception.

Among the PERKIM National secretariat present were Ustaz Muhammad Jais Mariappan Abdullah, Azura Abdul Rahman, Norlailialpin Suratman, and Mualish Shah Haji Mohd Anuar, along with volunteer Mohd Firdaus Pompeyo Abdullah.

Also in attendance were PERKIM Kuala Muda District Branch Chairman, Ustaz Imron Kochem Haji Ahmad; Honorary Assistant Secretary, Ustazah Juhana Halimah Johari; AL-HIDAYAH Central Chairman, Ustaz Muhammad Nasrul Haq Abdul Latif; AL-HIDAYAH Central Deputy Chairman, Ustaz Haji Muhammad Rafee Rahman; Kedah Zakat Board convert preacher, Ustazah Nazirah Nantha Kumari Abdullah; and AL-HIDAYAH Kedah Secretary, Ustaz Mohd Firdaus Abdullah, together with PERKIM Kuala Muda and AL-HIDAYAH volunteers whose contributions ensured the programme’s success.

Villagers gathered and registered themselves at the front of the multipurpose hall.

The secretariat recorded the names of villagers attending the Harmony Dialogue Programme.

Ustaz Rafee greeted villagers and inquired about their well-being as they had breakfast together.

The secretariat engaged with village children by asking their names and chatting with them.

PERKIM Kuala Muda volunteers also assisted in registering the villagers.

The secretariat registered female villagers attending the programme.

Ustaz Naim Islam engaged warmly with village children while posing quiz questions to them.

Ustaz Nasrul Haq helped carry food items for distributed to the villagers.

Ustaz Naim Islam shared his personal journey of embracing Islam with the villagers.

Some of the villagers listened attentively to Ustaz Naim Islam’s sharing.

The Kampung Kongsi 6 community followed the lecture delivered in Tamil.

During the Harmony Dialogue, Dr Ameer highlighted prophecies of the coming of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) that were also mentioned in various other religious scriptures.

Village children eagerly raised their hands to answer quiz questions.

One of the villagers responded to a quiz question posed by the speaker.

Villagers were delighted to receive small gifts from Ustazah Nazirah Nantha Kumari after answering quiz questions.

Ustazah Nurasiqin emceed the programme’s closing ceremony.

Muniandy, representing the Kampung Kongsi 6 JPKKP, welcomed the initiative and the presence of the visiting delegation.

On behalf of the PERKIM Honorary Secretary-General, Dr Suariza delivered the closing remarks

According to Dr Suariza, the programme was not merely a courtesy visit but aimed at bridging divides between races and religions while fostering goodwill and harmony.

The audience applauded at the conclusion of the closing speech.

Panchavarnum A/P Mariappan, representing the village head, draped a ponnadai cloth around the officiant as a mark of respect.

Dr Suariza presented a PERKIM souvenir plaque to Muniandy as a token of appreciation.

As a gesture of honour, villagers adorned Dr Ameer with a floral malai garland.

Ustaz Nasrul Haq and Ustaz Rafee paid tribute by draping a ponnadai cloth on Ustaz Naim Islam, in recognition of his title as Kedah State Maulidur Rasul Award recipient.

Dr Suariza distributed food aid packages to the villagers.

Among the 55 villagers were recipients of food aid contributions from Dr Suariza.

Dr Suariza joined the community for a group photo at the end of the programme.

The villagers were treated to a lunch reception after the conclusion of the programme.

Villagers shared a communal meal together following the Harmony Dialogue.

The programme secretariat team also had the opportunity to take a group photo with Dr Suariza at the end of the event.