KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak
has outlined three important principles to be practiced and adhered by
the people to ensure Malaysia continues to be a peaceful, stable and
harmonious country and remain a model for world harmony.
The
three principles are moderation, fairness and mutual respect between one
another, he said after participating in a 'Harmony Walk' in Brickfields
held in conjunction with World Interfaith Harmony Week.
Najib
said the people must practice moderation in all forms of action,
decision, attitude and words and reject all extreme, fanatical and
violent views as they would only cause problems.
"I have always
mentioned that interfaith problems are not caused by the religion itself
but by extreme and fanatical views and choosing the violent approach.
"If
they choose moderation, belief in dialogue, consultation and reject
extremists...I believe the world would be more peaceful and harmonious,"
he said. During the two-hour walkabout, Najib visited houses of
worship around Brickfields, namely the Tamil Methodist Church, Sam Kow
Tong Temple, Madrasathul Gouthiyyah, Sri Sakhti Vinayagar Temple and the
Buddhist Maha Vihara.
The Prime Minister also presented
contributions of RM30,000 each to the houses of worship and performed
the Asar prayers at the Madrasathul Gouthiyyah.
In his speech,
Najib said even though Islam is the official religion, other religions
were freely practiced and this was a wise approach to ensure people
lived in peace and harmony.
"That is why we must maintain the
tradition and legacy and not stray from the path and not take the road
to extreme and emotional conflicts," he said.
Citing the
Palestine-Israel conflict as an example, he said it was not the result
of religion but was caused by actions and extreme views as well as the
absence of measures for peace through moderation.
"If we seize land that belongs to others, whatever their religion may be, they would surely retaliate.
"It is the same scenario in Palestine where the rights of the people to live independently in their own land has been denied.
"If their rights are denied, certainly the place will not be peaceful and harmonious. This is a lesson to us," Najib said.
Stressing on the second principle which is respect for one another,
Najib said it must be practiced by people of all religions because
hurting followers of other religions or their believes, will not bring
about any favourable outcome.
The action of some who play the
political game and not care for the sensitivity of Muslims, simply to
gain support for the general election, showed that they are not
responsible leaders.
"In Islam, Prophet Nabi Muhammad SAW has
taught us to respect other religions and if other creed respects Islam,
there will be no problems in the country," he said.
On the third principle, he said everyone should be fair in their evaluations.
"BN (Barisan Nasional) will continue to uphold and defend the three principles...promises must be kept," said Najib.
On
his visit to Brickfields, Najib said the gesture carried a message of
harmony as he was joined by the people of various faiths.
According
to him, Brickfields was the microcosm of a plural society in Malaysia
because it is inhabited by people of diverse races and religions besides
being a location for various houses of worship.
"Brickfields is
among the most unique locations in Malaysia because within a range of
two to three kilometers are various houses of worship, representing
religions of the world with their respective followers," he added. -
Bernama
(Source: The Star Online)
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