SHAH ALAM - An essential element of being a responsible citizen is the ability to ask for forgiveness and forgive others.
Malaysian Punjabi Youth Movement (GBPM) vice president Harmit Singh said the culture of forgiving others was crucial to unravel the differences and celebrate the diverse communities in the country.
"We need to embrace the spirit of "Maaf Zahir Batin 365" to ensure we accept this diversity.
"A society that cannot maintain this diversity will fall into conflict. Forgiveness is important to unravel differences as it provides an opportunity to see issues through a different lens.
"We also need the courage to acknowledge when something is wrong and accept the humble act of seeking sincere forgiveness," he said in response to the #MZB365 campaign on Sunday.
Harmit said the principles of forgiveness and peace to coexist harmoniously with neighbours were required by both parties.
"Most importantly, both sides must ask for and accept forgiveness equally. If not, unfair power dynamics will occur.
"Therefore, GBSM would like to wish everyone a Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri and may this festive season bring us all closer together through #MZB365," he said.