Situation Under Control, Says Najib

PUTRAJAYA, Jan 11 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak has assured that the situation in the country is under control despite a series of arson attempts on churches as the incidents did not involve a large group of people.

"The vast majority of Malaysians are moderate and peace loving, while violence has not been associated with the practice of religion in this country.

"Even the introduction of Islam was through peaceful means," he said in an interview with a visiting group of 10 media representatives from India at his office here Monday.

The Prime Minister was asked whether the recent arson attempts were a similar design or trend which started in Pakistan seven years ago.

"We have been blessed. We hope and we will do our utmost to maintain the harmonious relations between the various ethnic and religious groups in this country.

"We will take action against any form of extremism committed by anyone or any group," Najib said.

On whether there would be a change in secular practices in the country after this, Najib replied: "We can handle the situation. We can manage it.

"In fact, the level of tension has gone down. The show of unhappiness after the last Friday prayers at the mosques was quite minimal and under control."

To say that tension had reached a high following the court decision was an exaggeration as the incidents (church attacks) were a reaction by only a very small group of people, Najib said.

Meanwhile, a Foreign Ministry statement said the Indian media representatives had earlier met with its Minister Datuk Seri Anifah Aman at Wisma Putra and with several other Cabinet Ministers.

"The Indian media representatives' visit to Wisma Putra provided an excellent opportunity for the Foreign Minister to engage and exchange views with the group on issues pertinent to Malaysia," it said.

"These include Malaysia's foreign policy orientation towards India, bilateral relations and cooperation at regional and international fora, expectations of the forthcoming visit of the Prime Minister to India and other matters of mutual interest and concern of the two countries."

Najib is scheduled to make an official visit to the republic early next week to further boost bilateral relations between the two countries.