The Star/Asia News Network
Friday, Nov 09, 2012
KUALA LUMPUR - The Prime Minister (above) has warned of extreme liberals and democracy advocates who get carried away with their views without giving due consideration to the feelings and sensitivities of the different races and faiths in the country.
Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak also advised Muslims to defend and not to compromise on matters relating to aqidah (faith) although there were universal values that all religions shared.
He further advised Muslims in the country to refer to religious texts from the more reliable pondok institutions (community-based religious schools) to overcome issues on absolute freedom, unlimited rationalism, secularism, liberalism and religious pluralism.
"Liberalism and pluralism are among the biggest threats faced by Muslims in this country.
"It is unfortunate that there are people who follow these beliefs and are supported by interested parties," he said when launching the 1Malaysia Pondok Development Foundation at the Taman Bukit Indah mosque in Ampang, near here, yesterday.
His statement came amid a controversial statement on freedom of religion by PKR vice-president Nurul Izzah Anwar.
Urging leaders to be wise and to tread carefully on such issues, he said it was better to discuss them through proper channels and controlled forums without anger and prejudice.
Najib also warned that there would be consequences to those who insult Islam through films, video clips, YouTube, Facebook or Twitter.
The Prime Minister regretted that there were many irresponsible accusations and statements made on Islam and its practices in the country.
"The majority of them (accusations) are not based on knowledge," he said, adding that it was even more unfortunate that followers of these people were less knowledgeable and gullible.
He added that people must focus on becoming stronger in the economic, education and social aspects by putting aside differences in opinion and belief.
Najib, who is the foundation's patron, announced a RM100,000 grant for it to set up a resource centre at its headquarters.
He told the foundation to provide him and the Government with suggestions to help pondok students to further their studies.
Friday, Nov 09, 2012
KUALA LUMPUR - The Prime Minister (above) has warned of extreme liberals and democracy advocates who get carried away with their views without giving due consideration to the feelings and sensitivities of the different races and faiths in the country.
Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak also advised Muslims to defend and not to compromise on matters relating to aqidah (faith) although there were universal values that all religions shared.
He further advised Muslims in the country to refer to religious texts from the more reliable pondok institutions (community-based religious schools) to overcome issues on absolute freedom, unlimited rationalism, secularism, liberalism and religious pluralism.
"Liberalism and pluralism are among the biggest threats faced by Muslims in this country.
"It is unfortunate that there are people who follow these beliefs and are supported by interested parties," he said when launching the 1Malaysia Pondok Development Foundation at the Taman Bukit Indah mosque in Ampang, near here, yesterday.
His statement came amid a controversial statement on freedom of religion by PKR vice-president Nurul Izzah Anwar.
Urging leaders to be wise and to tread carefully on such issues, he said it was better to discuss them through proper channels and controlled forums without anger and prejudice.
Najib also warned that there would be consequences to those who insult Islam through films, video clips, YouTube, Facebook or Twitter.
The Prime Minister regretted that there were many irresponsible accusations and statements made on Islam and its practices in the country.
"The majority of them (accusations) are not based on knowledge," he said, adding that it was even more unfortunate that followers of these people were less knowledgeable and gullible.
He added that people must focus on becoming stronger in the economic, education and social aspects by putting aside differences in opinion and belief.
Najib, who is the foundation's patron, announced a RM100,000 grant for it to set up a resource centre at its headquarters.
He told the foundation to provide him and the Government with suggestions to help pondok students to further their studies.
