As far as the efforts by civil societies aimed at fostering goodwill
among the plural population of Malaysia, many religious societies and
organizations are playing their roles. These include the Institute of
Islamic Understanding (IKIM), The Islamic Economic Development
Foundation of Malaysia (YPEIM), Malaysian Chinese Muslim Association
(MACMA), Hindu Sangam, Council of Churches and many more.
As far back as 1956, an exploratory inter-religious meeting was held in
Kuala Lumpur. Out of that meeting, emerged the Malayan Council for
Interfaith Cooperation, which later evolved into Malaysian Inter-religious
Organisation (MIRO). In later years other groups emerged. These
include Aliran Kesedaran Negara, or Aliran for short; Malaysian Consultative
Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism and Sikhism
(MCCBCHS); and Interfaith Spiritual Fellowship (INSaF). These organizations
all strive to foster national well-being through the promotion
of religious harmony by providing platforms and means for people of
different faiths to come together to promote common principles contained
in all religions. Dialogues between the organizations and the
authority, and also between themselves, are being held from time to
time. Lest we forget, individuals too—and there are too many of them to
mention—have played their respective roles in promoting goodwill and
understanding among people of diverse religious groups.