Malaysia needs moderation, says PM

Malaysia needs moderation, says PM

Hope he will release Hindraf detenus and call them for a dialogue. Such a move will make for a united Malaysia destined to be a leading partner in the Indian Ocean Community.

kalyanaraman

Malaysia needs moderation, not extremism, says PM
Tuesday December 25, 2007
MYT 7:36:01 PM
By MANJIT KAUR and ELIZABETH LOOI

Video: http://videos.thestar.com.my/default.aspx?vid=748

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysians must give priority to moderation and not be dragged into extremism, as it would pull the people apart, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

He said if the people did not emphasise on moderation, they would be easily pressured and influenced by extremism.

"If moderation does not take centre stage, extremism will take the place and we will all be dragged into it, it comes from the basis of religion, race or groups.
"This is what we should watch out for, this is what it give us problems," said Abdullah in his speech at a Christmas tea party organised by the Christian Federation of Malaysia and hosted by KL Archbishop Datuk Murphy Pakiam.
He also called on the people to uphold the spirit of tolerance and mutual respect that they had been practising in a multi-racial community.

The Prime Minister said the country needed the strength of tolerance and friendship, which the people had for each other for the country to continue to grow and prosper.

He said Malaysi was a land of opportunity and a land where everyone knew how to respect one another and knew how to give and take.

Abdullah said everyone wanted a peaceful and harmonious country to live in, adding that this should the ultimate goal of every Malaysian.

"This is our responsibility that we have to carry out diligently, so that our country will become a peaceful country.

"I'm aware of religious issues that happen from time to time and we should solve these problems together with a very high level of understanding, tolerance and respect," he said.

Abdullah said he was very happy to be invited to the party, as he could see people of different religion, namely Buddhists, Hindus and Christians, getting together at the event.

"If we sit together and eat the same food, it symbolises the friendship, degree of tolerance and mutual respect," he added.

He also cited the similarities that Christian and Islam shared, adding that in the Quran, Jesus (Prophet Isa) was a servant of God.
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