The European Muslims League (EML) draws attention to the experience of Malaysia as a significant example of a Muslim-majority society characterised by profound religious, cultural and ethnic diversity.
At a time when the international community is facing conflicts, polarisation and growing tensions between communities, preserving dialogue and peaceful coexistence among the different components of society represents a shared responsibility for institutions, religious communities and civil society.
According to Malaysia’s official 2020 census, 63.5% of the population professes Islam, 18.7% Buddhism, 9.1% Christianity and 6.1% Hinduism. This composition makes Malaysia an important case of coexistence within a society where Islam is the religion of the Federation while different religious traditions remain an integral part of the national fabric.
The principle of “Unity in Diversity” therefore assumes particular significance.
Throughout 2026, the Prime Minister of Malaysia, Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim, has on several occasions highlighted the importance of national unity, respect for diversity and harmony among different communities.
During the Wesak celebrations on 23 May 2026, the Prime Minister emphasised that Malaysia was built upon the recognition of its diversity and upon the need to preserve it through respect, maturity and responsibility. During National Unity Week, he further linked cohesion among the different components of the population with peace, stability and national development.
The European Muslims League considers these principles particularly relevant to the European debate as well.
“The experience of Malaysia reminds us that being a Muslim-majority society and fully respecting the presence of other religious communities are not contradictory principles. Religious identity should not be built in opposition to the identity of others. A society becomes stronger when everyone can live according to their faith while at the same time recognising the dignity, freedom and contribution of others.”
This was stated by Amb. Alfredo Maiolese, President of the European Muslims League (EML) and Ambassador at Large of the World Organization of States – International Parliament for Safety and Peace (WOS-IPSP).
“As a European Muslim,” Maiolese continued, “I believe that this message has particular significance. In Europe, Christians, Muslims, Jews and people belonging to other religious traditions share the same cities, schools, workplaces and institutions. The real challenge is not to erase our differences, but to transform them into opportunities for mutual understanding, respect and cooperation.”
“Social peace does not arise from uniformity. It comes from our ability to build a common home in which no one has to renounce their own identity in order to respect the identity of others. This is what we mean by unity in diversity.”
The European Muslims League emphasises that no national experience can simply be transferred from one country to another and that every society has its own complexities and challenges. Nevertheless, positive experiences of dialogue and coexistence deserve to be known, studied and shared.
Within this framework, EML looks with interest at Malaysia and at initiatives aimed at strengthening interreligious and intercultural dialogue, in the conviction that pluralistic societies require not only tolerance, but also participation, civic responsibility and mutual recognition.
In a world where differences are still too often used to divide people, building bridges among communities, religions and peoples represents a common responsibility.
Diversity must not become a cause of conflict.
It can become a resource for peace.
Malaysia and Unity in Diversity: Dialogue as a Foundation for Peaceful Coexistence
