Religious Freedom, Tolerance, Peace And Fairness -- Bedrock Of The Country

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 26 (Bernama) -- Religious freedom, tolerance, peace and fairness -- values which Malaysians hold dear -- remain the bedrock of the country despite the recent vandalism of churches and other places of worship, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said.

The prime minsiter said the diversity of Malaysia's population was the true strength of the country and, across races and religions, this was the foundation upon which the government would advance 1Malaysia.

"It represents a great challenge but, together, it can be our greatest achievement," he wrote in the opinion segment of The Wall Street Journal published today.

Najib said he was convinced that the vandalism of places of worship and arson at the Metro Tabernacle Church recently, and the powerful response from everyday Malaysians "can be transformed into a moment from which we can learn".

"We will bring the perpetrators to justice. But this will also be a time when we stand united as one people to unequivocally denounce violence and reaffirm that we remain committed to the national drive we call '1Malaysia'," he said.

Najib said that in contrast to the impressions left by some international reporting in the hours and days after the recent vandalism of churches and other places of worship in the country, the true spirit of the nation had shone through.

"Across religions and races, Malaysians have spoken with a unified voice in condemning the despicable acts of a few, and citizens have joined as one to assert that vandalism was never an acceptable way to express diverse views or resolve differences.

"Muslim groups volunteered to safeguard churches in their towns. Muslim social activists have written petitions to oppose these senseless acts of vandalism. Muslim civic groups are standing shoulder-to-shoulder with Christians, Hindus and Buddhists to ensure that all people can freeely worship as they wish."

On the other hand, he said, Christian and civic leaders had called for calm and interfaith dialogue as they were fully aware that those who perpetrated these acts did not represent the Muslim majority in Malaysia.

He said Malaysia was not the first country where a few individuals committed criminal acts under the false pretence of supporting a particular religion and the country would work together to resolve the issue.

Many Malaysians, he said, had been appalled by the irresponsible and dangerous finger-pointing of a few politicians who put personal political interest before the national interest by trying to score political points by hammering on sensitive issues.

"(But) my government chooses a different path," he said.

In this context, the government would reach out to all parts of the Malaysian society in the coming days to foster open dialogue and work to resolve sensitive issues.

Najib also said that the country must resolve to maintain a fair and open society where there was opportunity for all Malaysians to flourish.

Reforms have been undertaken, such as liberalising ownership requirements in key sectors of the economy, encouraging foreign direct investments, creating 1Malaysia clinics to provide access to health care and extending educational opportunities to all Malaysians.

However, these reforms had sometimes been politically difficult.

"But they are important because the long-term health of Malaysia's society and economy can only be built on what unites us rather that what divides us. We will not waver from the pursuit of 1Malaysia," he said of the vision he had for a strong and fair Malaysia.