KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 8 (Bernama) -- Expressing concern over the threat of
liberalism and pluralism faced by Muslims in the country, Prime Minister
Datuk Seri Najib Tun RazakThursday emphasised the need to defend the
Islamic faith without compromise despite the nation sharing universal
values with various races and communities.
He said the ideology which was creeping into the country posed a threat to the harmony and stability of religious and communal life following misinterpretation of the concept of pluralism.
Certain quarters were evidently wrong about the concept of pluralism, and this led to them seeing all religions as having similar values, he said at the launch of the Malaysian Pondok Development Foundation and a meeting with the people associated with the 'pondok' school.
Najib said it was most unfortunate that there were groups which subscribed to this ideology, backed by stakeholders conspiring with them.
He also said that of late, certain quarters had hurled accusations and irresponsible statements about Islam not founded on knowledge but merely to fulfil a specific agenda or interest.
"It is unfortunate that their followers are easily influenced and repeat what they have heard without understanding the true concept and being unable to make an objective evaluation.
"A lack of knowledge, misinterpretation of the concept or deliberate manipulation can lead to tension among the various races and followers of different faiths," he said.
Najib urged all community leaders to exercise wisdom and prudence in discussing any issue that can hurt the feelings of other races and people of other faiths.
It would be good to have these things discussed through the right channels and at controlled forums without giving vent to anger and prejudice, he said.
"Indeed, the issue of religion is a sensitive one. So are issues associated with language, education and places of worship.
"Let's not be carried away by a liberal attitude and extreme democracy, which do not take into account the racial feelings or sensitivities and tension when discussing an issue openly and freely," he said.
Najib said that in the current situation, "we need to strengthen the economic, educational and social sectors by setting aside all differences of opinions and ideologies".
He said the ideology which was creeping into the country posed a threat to the harmony and stability of religious and communal life following misinterpretation of the concept of pluralism.
Certain quarters were evidently wrong about the concept of pluralism, and this led to them seeing all religions as having similar values, he said at the launch of the Malaysian Pondok Development Foundation and a meeting with the people associated with the 'pondok' school.
Najib said it was most unfortunate that there were groups which subscribed to this ideology, backed by stakeholders conspiring with them.
He also said that of late, certain quarters had hurled accusations and irresponsible statements about Islam not founded on knowledge but merely to fulfil a specific agenda or interest.
"It is unfortunate that their followers are easily influenced and repeat what they have heard without understanding the true concept and being unable to make an objective evaluation.
"A lack of knowledge, misinterpretation of the concept or deliberate manipulation can lead to tension among the various races and followers of different faiths," he said.
Najib urged all community leaders to exercise wisdom and prudence in discussing any issue that can hurt the feelings of other races and people of other faiths.
It would be good to have these things discussed through the right channels and at controlled forums without giving vent to anger and prejudice, he said.
"Indeed, the issue of religion is a sensitive one. So are issues associated with language, education and places of worship.
"Let's not be carried away by a liberal attitude and extreme democracy, which do not take into account the racial feelings or sensitivities and tension when discussing an issue openly and freely," he said.
Najib said that in the current situation, "we need to strengthen the economic, educational and social sectors by setting aside all differences of opinions and ideologies".
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