How does secularism protect peaceful coexistence among different religions?

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Secularism protects peaceful coexistence by requiring mutual acceptance, respect, and non-harm across faiths
Secularism protects peaceful coexistence by grounding society in profound respect for and acceptance of all religions, including people of non-faiths. Its aim is the peaceful co-existence of everyone regardless of language, race, or creed, with principles of non-violence and inter-religious harmony. In practice, a secular state is neutral but still requires that religion, beliefs, or lack of belief must not harm others or be out to destroy the nation.
It sets a shared standard of acceptance across faiths and non-faiths
Secularism is defined as acceptance of all religions and also people of non-faiths, rather than treating any group as outside the civic community. Because people of different creeds often live close together in a globalised world, it is framed as urgent to establish ways to communicate with mutual acceptance and respect. This shared standard is meant to reduce fear, resentment, and hostility that can arise when communities are forced into rigid divisions.
It promotes non-violence and inter-religious harmony as core principles
The goal of secularism is not only tolerance but peaceful co-existence supported by non-violence and inter-religious harmony. By emphasising harmony regardless of language, race, or creed, it provides a common basis for coexistence among Malaysia’s multi-racial and multi-religious population. The framing also contrasts this with a theocratic model, where religion and state are not separated and conflict can become entangled with religious authority.
It keeps the state neutral while setting a non-harm boundary
A secular state is described as neutral, but it follows one rule: a person’s religion, beliefs, or lack thereof must not harm others or aim to destroy the nation. This boundary is presented as a way to prevent religious differences from escalating into oppression or conflict. The same logic is used to argue that separating religion from the state does not eliminate religion, but rather prevents religion from being used as a basis for state power against others.
It safeguards inclusion by granting freedom of religion
Secularism is presented as granting citizens freedom of/from religion, which means religious identity is not treated as a requirement for equal civic standing. It is also described as inclusive of everyone regardless of faith, including the presence of non-Muslims in Malaysia. By contrast, theocratic rule is portrayed as enabling state-sanctioned hostility and double standards, including criticism that can be seen as opposing religion itself.

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How does secularism protect peaceful coexistence among different religions?

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