MANAMA: Tolerance, dialogue and moderation should be cultivated as a bulwark to stave off sectarianism and preserve Bahrain’s diverse and cosmopolitan society. “There is no alternative to co-existence and the acceptance of the other for Bahrain to remain first and foremost, a country for all people,” His Majesty King Hamad said as he chaired the weekly Cabinet meeting.

His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa and His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister, attended the session at Sakhir Palace.

The King stressed the need to confront attempts to fuel hatred, sow sectarian polarisation and social rifts, and foment sectarian extremism. This aim, he said, can only be achieved through preventive measures that insulate social cohesion against the advocates of hatred.

He said it is deplorable that a number of preachers, along with some media, social and political forces, spread a culture of hatred.

He urged the government to adopt a viable strategy aimed at promoting moderation and ensuring religious sermons and other discourses are compliant with religious precepts and fundamentals stipulated in the National Action Charter.

He called on all national forces to use the liberties featured in the reforms as a catalyst to promote development, optimise achievements and foil attempts to fuel hostility and incite hatred.

He stressed the need to protect the democratic process and preserve deep-rooted heritage of peaceful co-existence and tolerance, saying Bahrain has, all along its history, set the example in overcoming adversities and transcending violence.

He described social diversity as a force to cement unity and human bonds – beyond any narrow affiliations or self-interested designs.

Scholars, religious and media figures and intellectuals were also urged to call for the renunciation of violence and play their role in maintaining security and stability.

“We are confident people’s awareness will eventually prevail and all parties will assume their responsibilities in protecting unity as a top priority,” he said.

He expressed hope that the new year will bring more landmark achievements, saying security and stability will be best achieved through collective efforts, renunciation of violence and cultivation of peaceful co-existence and love.