KUALA LUMPUR: Consensus between the government and Islamic scholars, intellectuals and virtual writers serves to safeguard the interests and dignity of Islam in the country, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said.

The prime minister said these three groups of people should be sensitive to current developments and changes in government policy so as to be able to disseminate information with accuracy and credibility.

They should cooperate among themselves and with the government to screen all information and filter malicious accusations and slander hurled by irresponsible people, he said.

Najib having a chat with former Perlis mufti Dr Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin at the gathering. On the left is Perlis mufti Dr. Juanda Jaya.

"The consensus between the three groups and the government will serve to safeguard the interests and dignity of Islam," he said when closing a national gathering of Islamic scholars, intellectuals and virtual writers at the Putra World Trade Centre, here.

The two-day maiden gathering carried the theme "Consensus Transforms the Ummah".

Najib said the three groups would give right information on the government agenda or policies often manipulated for political interests.

Remaining silent or not wanting to intervene or act can result in dire consequences for Muslims and the position of Islam itself, he said.

The prime minister said that in Islam, politics is a "jihad" (struggle) which should be given priority and one that cannot be separated from the struggle to uphold Islam and champion the interests of Muslims.

"If politics is viewed through this dimension, it becomes a discipline that is closely associated with the role of man on this earth, as the caliphs of God.

"Hence, the struggle to disseminate the truth and uphold Islam, either by way of writing or speech, should sprout from good faith and trust with truthful and accurate information that does not confuse listeners," he said.

• Murdoch denies planning to spin off UK newspapers
• Europe's economic woes dominate G8 gathering
• US says will bar some Motorola Mobility phones
• Historic Facebook debut falls short of expectations
• Wall St Week Ahead: The market is oversold, but major signs say "sell"
• MB: Kenanga IB took swift action
• MOL may sell Facebook shares
• Adex down 0.8% to RM3.1b
• The Star Business Awards to give away RM1m in ad space
• Hyundai-Sime banks on new Elantra
• Your 10 questions for SungHwan Do
• Up Close & Personal with Edgar Perez
• Motor vehicle sales down to 47,736 in April
• Firefly introduces prepaid change fee
• UEM Land’s Nusajaya wins Fiabci award

• Blind Chinese activist appears to have left for U.S.
• Bomb at south Italy school, several hurt
• G8 leaders broadly united on Iran and Syria
• Blind Chinese activist Chen "at Beijing airport"
• Lawyers for Strauss-Kahn accuser seek reams of information
• Ohio newborn killed by family pit bull mix dog
• Utah paleontologists discover new raptor dinosaur
• Venezuela's Chavez breaks silence with phone call

• Nicol storms into British Open semis
• Lakers avoid 0-3 hole as Sixers tie series
• World No. 1 Wei must beat Lin Dan for M'sia to upset China
• Nicol moves into the British Open last eight
• Norhizzat dedicates Junior Asia Cup hockey victory to his late father
• Tan out to impress after mixed fortunes in last three outings
• Thomas Cup Finals to serve as Olympic dress rehearsal
• Hafiz out to end Thomas Cup career with a bang
• Koreans still a threat without Jae-sung, warns Kim Her
• Fourth time’s the Boon Tan out to impress after mixed fortunes in last three outings
• Only five national bowlers survive the first round cut in Manila
• Roslinda heads to Europe in bid to qualify for Olympics
• Rain specialist Zulfahmi hopes for dry track at French GP
• Djokovic and Nadal move closer to showdown, Maria and Serena in semi-finals
• Finch upsets top seed Kaymer at World Match Play

• Police appalled by deliberate inaction of rapist’s accomplice
• American firms in Malaysia urged to help attract more investors
• Two accused claim trial over attempted murder of daughter-in-law
• MOL may sell Facebook shares
• RM1b to upgrade 4,300 schools
• Historic Facebook debut falls short of expectations
• MB: Kenanga IB took swift action
• Helpline to fight the fat
• Eizaz’s sound decision
• Enhancing value at RHB Bank