On December 20, The International Institute of Advanced Islamic Studies (IAIS) organised a public forum entitled “Religion and the Common Good”. The purpose of the forum was to provide a platform for representatives of different faiths to share perspectives on how religious values can be used to foster common understanding that can be used to advance peace and harmony in society.

SGM Deputy Youth Leader and Associate Editor of Cosmic Looi Chee Choong spoke as a representative of the Buddhist faith. He touched on the interconnectedness among all living beings and an individual’s inner change as the driving forces for remedying society.

The other speakers were Assoc Prof A. Balraman, a lecturer at the Nottingham University, Malaysian Campus, and secretary of the religious section of the Malaysian Hindu Sangam ( representing the Hindu faith), Reverend Sivin Kit, pastor of the Bangsar Lutheran Church (Christian) and Assoc Prof Dr Kamar Oniah Kamarruzaman of the International Islamic University of Malaysia. The forum was moderated by Prof Datin Azizan Baharuddin, Director, Centre for Civilisational Dialogue, University of Malaya.

The forum was attended mainly by academics and activists with interest in interfaith issues. After the speakers’ presentation, there was a question-and-answer session for the members of the audience.