Published: Saturday February 2, 2013 MYT 11:31:00 PM

Najib: Three principles for Malaysia to remain harmonious nation

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

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Published: Saturday February 2, 2013 MYT 11:31:00 PM

Najib: Three principles for Malaysia to remain harmonious nation