Muslim leaders pay courtesy visit to Archbishop of Kuala Lumpur

In January 2016, Most Rev Julian Leow paid a visit to Datuk Dr Zulkifli bin Mohamad Al-Bakri, the then mufti of the Federal Territories in Malaysia, to dialogue about mutual respect amongst religions.

May 20, 2022

Dr Zulkifli (third from left) and Judge Abdelsalem (third from right) paid a visit to Archbishop Julian Leow (middle) recently. Together with the prelate is Fr Dr Clarence Devadass (second from left), Fr Gerard Theraviam (second from right) and other members of Judge Abdelsalam’s entourage.


KUALA LUMPUR: In January 2016, Most Rev Julian Leow paid a visit to Datuk Dr Zulkifli bin Mohamad Al-Bakri, the then mufti of the Federal Territories in Malaysia, to dialogue about mutual respect amongst religions. The mainstream media had acknowledged the event as a “meeting of hope”. Following that meeting, Dr Zulkifli had promised to make a reciprocal courtesy visit. Unfortunately, each visit that was planned had to be cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances.

After six years, Dr Zulkifli’s promise to visit Archbishop Julian finally came to fruition on May 17, 2022. He was accompanied by the General Secretary of the Muslim Council of Elders, Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, who was on an official visit to Malaysia. Dr Zulkifli, who is currently serving as a senator in the Malaysian Government, is also a member of the Muslim Council of Elders.

Judge Abdelsalam had assisted in drafting the Document on Human Fraternity for World Peace and Living Together that was signed by Pope Francis and the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Ahmad Al-Tayyeb on February 4, 2019 in Abu Dhabi. Judge Abdelsalam is also the first Muslim to be awarded the Order of Pope Pius IX Knight Commander for his efforts in interreligious dialogue.

The Muslim Council of Elders is an independent international organisation that promotes peace in Muslim communities by discouraging conflict and encouraging coexistence. Its members comprise of prominent scholars and experts in the Muslim world who are known for their wisdom, justice, independence, and moderateness. The council was established in July 2014 and is based in Abu Dhabi. The Malaysian Chapter of the Muslim Council of Elders will be launched on May 23, 2022.

The courtesy visit by Dr Zulkifli and Judge Abdelsalam began with a tour of the Cathedral of St John the Evangelist led by parish priest, Fr Gerard Theraviam. The guests were then treated to luncheon at the parish house, hosted by Archbishop Julian Leow.

Fr Dr Clarence Devadass, Director of the Catholic Research Centre, who was emcee at the luncheon, welcomed the guests and invited them to partake in the spread.

Archbishop Julian then briefed the guests about the various dioceses in Malaysia and their respective bishops who collectively make up the Catholic Bishops Conference of Malaysia. He also provided a snapshot of interreligious initiatives by the Catholic Church in Malaysia, highlighting that interreligious dialogue is especially important in a multi religious country like Malaysia. The event came to a close with the exchange of gifts between Archbishop Julian, Dr Zulkifli and Judge Abdelsalam.

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