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Saturday, November 22, 2008, 03.02 PM

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EDITORIAL: Harmony in formation

One such area is national unity. The more information the authorities receive about trouble brewing, the faster they can defuse the tension. It is with this in mind that the National Unity and Integration Department plans to arm Rukun Tetangga centres with computers. The logic is simple: The department will be able to identify and defuse possible problematic situations speedily if all the 3,838 RTs send information about the goings-on in their neighbourhoods via the Internet. A pilot project has taken off in Kulim, Kedah.

This plan will only work if RT committee members supply honest information and if the monitoring system is efficient. If RTs misuse the computers, or do not use them to inform the department of possible causes of conflict in their areas, it will mean money down the drain. The department also plans to train its officers and RT leaders on how to mediate in disputes. An excellent idea.

The department, prodded by a government that has shown a genuine commitment towards ensuring greater harmony, has of late been playing a more active role. It should be lauded for organising an interfaith dialogue on July 29-30. The historic occasion saw Muslim groups sitting with non-Muslim groups to discuss issues affecting each other. Those who attended the dialogue said although nothing was decided, it had helped them better understand each other. The fact that a dialogue was held, we think, should be counted a success. In offering a platform for civil discussions and a sharing of thoughts, it holds the promise of a clash-free future. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi has said he would ask the Unity, Culture, Arts and Heritage Ministry to hold more such interfaith dialogues and that he plans to sit in on some of these meetings. Yes, what is needed is dialogue and discourse, not discord and dissonance. When someone understands another better, the level of tolerance increases. Perhaps its time for a massive campaign to promote the common values that underpin all cultures and religions so that Malaysians are reminded that, at the end of the day, we are all humans who share this existence. Surely, this is another instance where more information spells fewer problems.