PERKIM Harmony Dialogue Strengthens Understanding Among Kluang’s Indian Community

ᵇʸ: ᴹᴼᴴᴰ. ˢʸᴬᴴᴿᴵᴸ ᴿᴼˢᴰᴵ ᴬᴴᴹᴬᴰ ᶻᴬᴴᵁᴰᴵ

KLUANG, 30 November 2025 – Efforts to foster interethnic harmony were further strengthened as more than 70 members of the Indian community from around this district participated in the Harmony Dialogue Programme with the Indian Multiracial Community, jointly organised by the Muslim Welfare Organisation Malaysia (PERKIM) National and the Federal Territories Islamic Religious Council (MAIWP).

The programme was also supported by PERKIM Kluang Branch and the Indian Reverts Association (MIRA) of Johor.

Held at the Taman Desa Kluang Residents’ Association Hall, the event began at 10am with the objective of addressing misconceptions between communities of different faiths while promoting values of mutual respect within a diverse society.

The event opened with a motivational talk by PERKIM National Executive Da‘i, Ustaz Muhammad Jais Abdullah, titled Dispelling Misconceptions About Islam.

He emphasised that Islam upholds harmonious relations between ethnic groups and teaches that human diversity exists so people may learn from one another, understand each other’s customs and respect individual sensitivities.

Recalling the strong neighbourhood spirit of earlier generations — where families exchanged food, visited one another without prejudice and extended help regardless of ethnicity — he noted that such values are fading today due to modern lifestyles and declining social interaction.

Ustaz Jais Mariappan urged the rebuilding of interethnic ties through healthy communication, mutual respect and active participation in harmony dialogues, stressing that unity cannot emerge if people only focus on differences without striving to understand one another.

The programme continued with a Harmony Dialogue session delivered by District Mosque Imam and Officer from the Kluang Kadi Office, Ustaz Muhammad Shaker Naim Aris.

He began by describing life in pre-Islamic Arabia, which was marked by gambling, adultery and intoxicants, resulting in a society deeply fractured and morally weakened.

When alcohol was abolished, he said, it was as though “the Arab land overflowed with spilt wine like rivers,” symbolising the extent to which society had been consumed by harmful practices.

He explained that Islam came as a divine guide that restored human morality, elevated dignity and provided clear purpose, to worship God, do good and help one another. With this guidance, the once-marginalised Arabs transformed into a civilisation of great achievement.

He stressed that charitable acts seen today, such as easing the burden of the needy reflect true Islamic teachings that reject violence and uphold justice for all.

According to him, the notion that Islam is a harsh religion arises when some judge it through external sources that misrepresent its authentic teachings. Anyone who studies Islam sincerely, he said, will recognise that Prophet Muhammad (SAW) brought mercy, peace and a humane social system.

Responding to questions from the Indian community, Ustaz Shaker highlighted that all religions fundamentally prohibit acts that bring harm, including alcohol consumption.

He then shared the story of a righteous man who initially refused to commit adultery but, after becoming intoxicated, lost control, raped a woman and ultimately killed her out of fear, a story used to illustrate how alcohol, the “mother of all evils,” destroys rational judgment.

Meanwhile, MIRA Johor Committee Member, Ustaz Muhammad Rosyam Abdullah, delivered an explanation in Tamil, emphasising that Islam does not belong to any specific race and that anyone is deserving of guidance and compassion as fellow believers.

He also shared his personal journey of embracing Islam, including family challenges, marriage matters and inheritance issues frequently faced by Indian reverts. Clear understanding of religion, he said, helps resolve many such confusions.

He expressed gratitude that more members of the Indian community are open to learning about Islam and hopes many more will receive knowledge with an open heart.

The programme proceeded with a closing ceremony emceed by PERKIM Administrative Officer, Fatin Akmal Aksah.

In his address, Ustaz Jais Mariappan once again expressed appreciation to MAIWP for the entrusted contributions to be distributed to the Indian community. Although modest, he hoped the assistance would ease their burden amid today’s challenging economic landscape.

He reiterated that the Harmony Dialogue serves as an important platform to enlighten the public about Islam and dispel misconceptions that it is a harsh religion. Malaysia itself, he said, stands as proof of harmonious coexistence among Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, Christians and others.

He concluded by reminding attendees that helping others is a deed rewarded by God, and that such gatherings should continue as bridges of understanding within a diverse society.

The event was then graced by PERKIM Kluang Branch Chairman, Ustaz Zabri Kamdi, who delivered the official closing speech.

Ustaz Zabri emphasised the importance of self-reflection before judging others. The belief that one is always right while others are wrong, he said, is a major mistake that can fracture relations in a multiracial society.

He also touched on issues such as alcohol and gambling, which are prohibited not only in Islam but in other religions as well, though with varying emphasis.

Sharing his experience growing up among Chinese neighbours, including a neighbour’s child who was circumcised for hygiene purposes, he highlighted how interethnic relationships can thrive on mutual respect without compromising religious identity.

He praised Hindu communities for their strong family institutions and deep respect for parents, values that should be emulated by all.

Citing a hadith, he reminded that harming a non-Muslim who lives in peace is akin to harming the Prophet himself, underscoring Islam’s commitment to justice regardless of religion. He also shared the story of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) rising to honour the funeral procession of a non-Muslim, reflecting universal etiquette and compassion.

Ustaz Zabri also spoke about PERKIM’s community initiatives at multiracial elderly care centres, which he said leave deeper humanitarian impact than activities confined to only Muslim communities.

He stressed that PERKIM is not a political platform and does not discriminate based on race or religion, but is instead a bridge of goodwill that seeks to connect communities through universal humanitarian values.

As the highlight of the programme, 50 food packages were distributed to the Indian community by PERKIM National Secretariat member Ustaz Amran Anbarasu Abdullah, assisted by Ustaz Zabri, Ustaz Shaker, Ustaz Rosyam and Urimai Kural Malaysia representative, Raman a/l Kuppusamy.

Ustaz Amran also presented PERKIM commemorative plaques and the coffee-table book Warisan dan Wawasan 60 Tahun PERKIM to Ustaz Zabri, Ustaz Shaker and Ustaz Rosyam.

Meanwhile, Ustaz Jais Mariappan presented a PERKIM appreciation token to Raman as a symbol of gratitude for intercommunity cooperation.

The event concluded with a photography session and luncheon held in a warm and cordial atmosphere.

Also present were PERKIM Secretariat officers Azura Abdul Rahman and Mualish Shah Haji Mohd Anuar.

 

The PERKIM National Secretariat registers participants during the Harmony Dialogue programme’s registration session.

 

Ustaz Jais Mariappan delivers a motivational talk to local residents at the Taman Desa Kluang Residents’ Association Hall.

 

Local residents listen attentively to the motivational talk presented.

 

Ustaz Jais Mariappan highlights the close-knit communal spirit of earlier generations, who exchanged dishes and helped one another regardless of ethnicity.

 

Ustaz Jais Mariappan calls for the restoration of interethnic relations through healthy communication and mutual respect.

 

Ustaz Jais Mariappan notes that unity cannot be achieved if society focuses solely on differences without striving to understand one another.

 

The Harmony Dialogue session is delivered by the Imam of the District Mosque, Kluang Kadi Office, Ustaz Muhammad Shaker Naim Aris.

 

In his dialogue session, Ustaz Shaker explains that the perception of Islam as a harsh religion arises only when some parties judge it through external sources that misrepresent its true teachings.

 

Ustaz Shaker explains that all religions fundamentally prohibit harmful acts, including the consumption of alcohol.

 

He emphasises that the charitable acts carried out today such as easing the burden of the needy are firmly rooted in true Islamic teachings.

 

Ustaz Rosyam (right), speaking in Tamil, expresses gratitude that the Indian community is increasingly open to understanding Islam and hopes that more will receive knowledge with an open heart.

 

Ustaz Rosyam explains that Islam is not a religion for any particular race, but one in which anyone may receive guidance and compassion as fellow believers.

 

Residents of Taman Desa and Taman Intan listen to the presentations during the Harmony Dialogue session.

 

Fatin Akmal, as the master of ceremonies, commences the opening of the Harmony Dialogue with the Multiracial Indian Community of Kluang.

 

In his welcoming address, Ustaz Jais Mariappan expresses hope that the programme will serve as an important platform to provide clarity about Islam and dispel misconceptions that it is a harsh religion.

 

Guests and participants listen to the speech delivered.

 

In his officiating speech, Ustaz Zabri emphasises the importance of self-reflection when evaluating others.

 

Ustaz Zabri praises the Hindu community for its strong family values and deep respect for parents—qualities that should be emulated by all communities.

 

Ustaz Zabri stresses that PERKIM serves as a bridge of goodwill, connecting communities through universal humanitarian values.

 

Ustaz Amran (centre) presents a PERKIM appreciation plaque to Ustaz Zabri.

 

Ustaz Shaker receives a PERKIM appreciation plaque from Ustaz Amran.

 

Ustaz Zabri presents food aid and cash tokens to residents of Taman Intan.

 

Residents of Taman Desa receive food aid and cash tokens from Ustaz Zabri.

 

Harmony Dialogue participants receive food aid and cash tokens from Ustaz Shaker.

 

Urimai Kural Malaysia representative, Raman a/l Kuppusamy, presents food aid and cash tokens to participants.

 

Ustaz Jais Mariappan presents a PERKIM commemorative plaque to Raman as a token of appreciation.

 

More than 50 Harmony Dialogue participants pose for a group photograph with the PERKIM Secretariat at the end of the programme.

 

Chicken and mutton briyani were served as the luncheon enjoyed by all participants.