INTERFAITH DIALOGUE MUST STRIVE FOR HARMONY - MINISTER

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 19 (Bernama) -- The proposed interfaith dialogue must
strive for harmonious relations among various races, said Information
Communication and Culture Minister Dr Rais Yatim.

"It is important that various races in the country hold friendly discussions
by delving into Islamic, Christian, Hindu and other religions' views.

"We are not converting to other religions but to understand one another
religious' culture better. That is important.

"I feel that the discussion and understanding of one another culture and
religion can enhance harmony. Otherwise, we will continue to live in distrust
and prejudice of one another," he told reporters after receiving Sarawak Deputy
Chief Minister Dr George Chan Hong Nam here Tuesday.

Rais urged the people to remain calm over the recent High Court ruling
allowing a Catholic weekly to use the word "Allah" in its Malay-language
edition, pending the hearing of an appeal.

"Let the court decide. Do not make your own judgement based on political
expediency or emotion," he added.

In another development, Rais welcomed Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri
Muhyiddin Yassin's suggestion that local writers should be given preference over
foreign authors when selecting literary works for schools and institutions of
higher learning.

"This is music to our ears.. We welcome this. We have been waiting for this
kind of policy. As such, prominent local writers must redeem themselves," he
said.

On his meeting with Chan, who is also Sarawak Tourism and Heritage Minister,
Rais said although Sarawak was endowed with various tourism products, lack of
promotional campaigns resulted in low tourist arrivals.

"As such Sarawak should step up its tourism promotional campaigns to woo
more tourists," added Rais.
-- BERNAMA