The “Maaf Zahir Batin Hari Hari” campaign (#MZB365) is the best platform for media to promote unity among Malaysia’s diverse society, where harmony is key to the country, says Star Media Group chief content officer Datin Paduka Esther Ng.

Therefore, Ng said it is important for all Malaysians to come together and unite with one another for the betterment of the nation.

“This is the perfect platform for the media to show a united front, standing up for something we deeply believe in for the nation – harmony, peace, and rational thinking.

“I am proud to be among the nation’s entire media corporations, standing proud and loud, showcasing in our own platforms to deliver the same message – one of unity.

“We are all headed in the same direction. Our forebears arrived on these shores in different boats; but we are all in the same boat now. Let’s do this together,” said Ng.

SMG is a participant in the #MZB365 which aims to inculcate the practice of seeking and giving forgiveness among Malaysians all year round, not just during the Hari Raya Aidilfitri festival.

#MZB365 is a joint effort by major media organisations here as well as NGOs.

Astro Awani’s editor-in-chief Ashwad Ismail said unity and togetherness in our cultural and ethnic diversity stands as the pillars of peace and prosperity in Malaysia.

However, Ashwad said that recently, there have been incidents that threaten the religious sensitivities and the social fabric of Malaysia.

“Extremist seeds, radical and violent actions, such as hurling Molotov cocktails as a manifestation of dissatisfaction, have surfaced,” said Ashwad.

Such incidents, said Ashwad, contradict the values and culture of society in Malaysia.

“We believe it is time for us to remind each other of our strength – the strength of Malaysia.

“By adopting the #MZB365 practice, initiated together with a coalition of NGOs and CSOs, we aim to eradicate hatred, strengthen understanding, respect and not take for granted the peace we have enjoyed thus far,” he said.

NSTP group managing editor and Berita Harian group editor Datuk Ahmad Zaini Kamaruzzaman said acts of hatred and provocation involving ethnicities and race, including meddling in the affairs of other religions, is akin to setting “fire in a husk”.

“It burns from the inside slowly and it may cause the entire rice grain to burn,” said Ahmad Zaini.

“In the context of a multi-religious and multi-racial country like Malaysia, it is very dangerous if left without preventive measures,” added Ahmad Zaini.

Ahmad Zaini said NSTP will be participating in the #MZB365 campaign to spread awareness about the need to preserve unity among Malaysians.

“The campaign of apologising and granting forgiveness which is a continuation of this movement in conjunction with the Hari Raya Aidilfitri this week needs to be celebrated and become the practice of all Malaysians regardless of race and religion,” said Ahmad Zaini.

“We hope that this joint campaign between CSOs and the media can put out the fire in the husk,” added Ahmad Zaini.

Meanwhile, Sin Chew Daily editor-in-chief Kuik Cheng Kang urged Malaysians to stop propagating hatred and instead, promote goodwill among one another.

“Safeguarding the diversity of Malaysia has always been the core value of Sin Chew Daily, and we uphold this in our editorial policies.

“Let’s work together to promote #MZB365, making the culture of ‘Maaf Zahir Batin’ a part of our daily lives,” said Kuik.

Sinar Harian editor-in-chief Zamri Rambli said the diversity of the nation’s society is Malaysia’s strength and locals should not have caused disharmony in the nation with extremism.

“For decades, we have lived in an atmosphere of tolerance and respect, we should not lose this in this technological age,” said Zamri.

“Let us all become agents of harmony in Malaysia and appreciate the true meaning of the Rukun Negara,” added Zamri.