KUALA LUMPUR: Former Education Minister Prof Dr Maszlee Malik issued an urgent plea to global religious leaders, urging their united efforts in advocating for peace in Gaza.
Stressing the pivotal role they hold, he highlighted the critical need for their influence in fostering both peace and humanitarian relief initiatives within the region.
Maszlee, who is also International Institute of Advanced Islamic Studies (IAIS) Malaysia chairman, recently initiated a critical step by personally reaching out via letters to 19 respected global religious leaders.
In response to the distressing situation in Gaza, Maszlee emphasised that IAIS Malaysia has taken a momentous initiative, appealing to the collective wisdom and moral authority of global leaders to urgently call for a ceasefire in Gaza.
"The call for a ceasefire is rooted in the principles of compassion, dialogue, and the pursuit of justice - pillars that resonate deeply with the national Madani agenda, championed by Malaysia's Prime Minister.
"At IAIS Malaysia, we are committed to advancing this agenda, where compassion holds a pivotal place among its pillars.
"The gravity of this humanitarian crisis demands a unified effort to stop the killing of children and civilians, end the bombings of hospitals and schools, and cease the ongoing genocide in Gaza," Maszlee told a press conference today.
The letters dispatched yesterday were sent to Saudi Arabia's Grand Mufti, International Union of Muslim Scholars president, Al-Azhar Grand Imam, Pope Francis, Dalai Lama, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I, Canterbury Archbishop, Ephraim Mirvis Chief Rabbi, and several other influential personalities.
Maszlee said the essence of their plea for a Gaza ceasefire is based on values like compassion and empathy, which are integral in constructing bridges and nurturing understanding. He said these values ultimately pave the way towards a more peaceful world.
In citing only one of the challenges in the effort, Maszlee said these figures might take time respond to the letters due to the holiday season, but remained optimistic about it all.
He expressed confidence that these leaders would issue strong statements towards even as the world reels from opposition againts a ceasefire from Israel and its staunch support, the United States.
"I hope these religious leaders could voice their concerns and urge all those countries to impose a ceasefire as soon as possible. I believe deep in their hearts, they cannot tolerate these kinds of things. Nobody can accept what has been committed by Israel," said Maszlee.