abstract for conference - usim

MEDIA AND INTERFAITH RELATION IN MALAYSIA:
TRENDS AND WAYS TO MOVE FORWARD

Haslina Ibrahim (Phd)[1]


Plurality is one of the remarkable features that characterized the Malaysian societies. Interaction between and among the plural religions is another trait that requires special attention. However, whether these features have been properly and positively depicted by the Malaysian media is an interesting subject to be examined. This paperwork aims to deliberate some of the highlights in the media that promoted or even demoted inter-faith relations in Malaysia. The paper is also interested to identify the challenges and the restrictions faced by the media in its effort to depict a more positive relationship among religions in Malaysia. Is it possible that all religions and their agencies to be the catalyst for developing and realizing the muhibbah spirit among the Malaysian plural societies. How and what could be the means? On top, the paperwork is interested to suggest some alternative programs and modules for the Malaysian media to consider for enhancing and further realizing a more meaningful relationship among the Malaysians.
[1] Dr. Haslina Ibrahim is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Usuluddin & Comparative Religion, Kuliyyah of Islamic Revealed Knowledge & Human Science, International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM). Her areas of interest are Study of Religion, Islamic Da’wah, Inter-Faith Dialogue, and Islamic Ethics. She is currently pursuing her research on Sacred Texts and The Study of Religion.