KUALA LUMPUR: Southeast Asia is fortunate to enjoy peace, yet countries in the region have failed to address the haze issue maturely, said Suluh Centre executive chairman Nurul Izzah Anwar.
"Sometimes, it disappoints me as a mother because even in peacetime, in such a beautiful, wonderful and bountiful region as Southeast Asia, people cannot even stop the haze in a supposedly mature manner," she said.
Izzah, who is also PKR deputy president, was speaking at the opening of the third Southeast Asia Dialogue Cities Conference here.
"We are so fortunate to be able to hold this session in peacetime," she said, describing the gathering as a rarity in an increasingly troubled world.
Also present were International Dialogue Centre (KAICIID) senior project manager Mitra Modaressi, Allied Coordinating Council of Islamic NGOs Malaysia (ACCIN) chief executive officer Ir Mohd Jamaludin Shamsudin and Universiti Antarabangsa MAIWP (UniMAIWP) vice-chancellor Prof Dr Kamar Oniah Kamaruzaman.
Asked later by a reporter from Indonesia's Tempo magazine what religious leaders should do about the haze and its impact, Izzah said they must remain independent and stay focused on the truth.
She said independent-minded religious leaders had inspired her during her formative years and influenced her involvement in various sectors.
"They had no fear or favour imposed on them by the political powers or the state authorities of the day.
"This is very important because it nurtures independence and empowers communities to grow and prosper," she said.
She said that under Maqasid Shariah, or the higher objectives of Shariah, those in power had a duty to protect the environment and the people.
"Part of governing is ensuring that you protect our forests, our environment and our people.
"This is especially necessary in today's world. As you can see, many young people depend on their religious leaders to provide guidance and hope for a better future," she said.
The three-day conference is organised by KAICIID and ACCIN, with participants from Bangkok, Davao, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore and Yogyakarta.
Themed "Shared Futures: Dialogue for Resilient and Inclusive Cities", the conference explores how interfaith and intercultural dialogue can help diverse urban communities address shared challenges, including climate change and artificial intelligence.
It will conclude on Oct 28 with joint proposals for action.
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