The Russian Federation and Malaysia, a country in Southeast Asia, have much in common. "It is important that both countries are committed to deepening fruitful cooperation", - said Rais of Tatarstan and Chairman of the Group of Strategic Vision “Russia - Islamic World” Rustam Minnikhanov during a working visit to Malaysia in August 2024. The parties discussed not only Malaysia's plans to join BRICS, but also expressed a desire to work more actively on joint investment projects in various fields. However, in addition to common cultural and economic prospects, Russia and Malaysia have intersections in the implementation of multicultural and multinational domestic policies.
As a Muslim state, Malaysia is developing a model of multiculturalism that promotes religious tolerance and universal harmony. Meanwhile, any activity in the field of foreign policy is a continuation of the domestic situation in the country. On the world stage, Malaysia demonstrates an independent point of view on important issues on the international agenda. A special place in the Malaysian foreign policy is occupied by the political long-liver Mahathir Mohamad. During his presidency, with his uncompromising position on some international conflicts, especially the Palestinian-Israeli issue, was laid down the main component of the official policy.
Malaysia is a federal state consisting of sixteen states. The head of state is the Supreme Ruler (King), who makes decisions based on the recommendations of the government or parliament. Today, the post of monarch is occupied by His Highness Sultan Ibrahim. Executive power is exercised by the cabinet of ministers headed by the prime minister. Currently, the duties of the highest political functionary of Malaysia are performed by Anwar Ibrahim. The legal status of the members of the Federation is determined by the Constitution, as well as the laws of individual states. Malaysian legislation, ensuring the priority of law and the interests of civil society, contributes to the strengthening of interethnic and interfaith relations.
The ethnic majority of Malaysia is represented by the Bumiputra (literally "children of the soil" ) - this is the name given to the Malays and the indigenous population of the country as a whole. The second largest are the Chinese, next ones - the Indians. In addition, there are groups of aborigines living on the Malay Peninsula, and Malaysia also has people from the Middle East, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam and Cambodia, including Europeans who have settled in the country since colonial times. The religious diversity of the state is formed by Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism and Christianity, as well as Taoism, Confucianism and Sikhism. Throughout the historical period, there has been a gradual assimilation of the indigenous population with neighboring peoples and countries.
Despite the fact that the majority of the country's population is Muslim, Malaysia is not a classical Islamic state according to its own Constitution. However, Islam is given a dominant role. This superiority, although it exists, does not affect the quality of life of non-Muslims in the country. Malaysian legal bodies and their activities are aimed at promoting the idea of religious tolerance and harmony among citizens.
The Constitution of Malaysia guarantees freedom of religion practiced in any part of the Federation, which ensures freedom of religion in the country. All citizens are equal before the law and enjoy equal protection from the law; at the same time, they are protected from religious discrimination, which is also stated in the basic law of the country. This proves the existence of freedom of conscience and the absence of coercion when a citizen determines his attitude to religion. Non-interference in the religious rites of non-Muslim communities is guaranteed, which implies state arbitration in inter-confessional issues. For example, according to the Constitution, religious propaganda is allowed in Malaysia, however, taking into account its legality.
“Rukun Negara” - is a Malaysian declaration of national philosophy proclaimed by decree of Supreme Ruler Ismail Nasiruddin Shah on Independence Day 1970, has great importance in the tolerant policy. The National Pillars were a response to the race riots of 13 May 1969, which highlighted the fragile balance of inter-ethnic relations in the country. The national principles include: faith in God, loyalty to the King and country, observance of the Constitution, sovereignty of laws, decency and morality.
It is worth noting that all confessions of the world have such concepts as tolerance, peace, love and humanism, although there is a diversity of theological and philosophical views. A believer, at every mention of his own religion, recalls not only his commitment, but also the requirements of his doctrine. A believer who looks through the prism of the professed religion will be able to accept the spiritual basis of other people, originating from common traditional values. This teaches mutual understanding.
The government in Malaysia encourages Muslims, Buddhists, Christians and Hindus to maintain religious tolerance and harmony. These categories are meant for the stability and prosperity of all Malaysians and the world, regardless of the ethnicity and religious affiliation of different people. Thus, Muslims and non-Muslims are free to practice their religious beliefs in any part of Malaysia.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
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