POLITICIANS tend to forget the importance of unity in diversity whenever an election is around, said National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang.
When they begin campaigning, they tend to forget about the importance of unity and the fact that Malaysia is made up of so many different people , said Aaron in an apparent reference to the ongoing campaign for the Sabah state election.
"It is normal when it comes to an election, they (politicians) have their own agenda," said Aaron after opening the three-day "The Great Pilgrimage Of Hope" gathering, which is organised by the Federation of Asian Bishops Conference - Office of Evangelization.
The gathering with over 900 participants is held at The Light Hotel in Seberang Jaya, Penang.
Aaron said the National Unity Index (IPNas) was 0.629 in 2022, which is classified as a "moderate" level.
This score has increased from 0.567 in 2018 and is targeted to reach 0.7 this year.
The index measures the level of social cohesion, with categories ranging from "weak" (0.0–0.24) to "high" (0.75–1.00).
According to Aaron, a Sarawakian, the ministry has undertaken various programmes to advocate the importance of unity in the face of adverse challenges.
"We have made available various platforms and we have dialogues to offset any differences we may encounter."
He said that the country has the maturity to handle disunity through high tolerance.
Penang-based,His Eminence Datuk Seri Cardinal Sebastian Francis, who is the host, said that the gathering brings to Penang, some 10 Bishops from throughout Asia and top religious officials including priests and nuns to exchange ideas on the way forward in bringing hope to the Christian congregation.
It is believed that this is the first time that Penang was playing host to the event.
His Eminence Sebastian had also conveyed the intention to host the event to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, while also inviting the premier, who unfortunately could not attend due to a tight schedule. - September 27, 2025.
