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Najib urges Malaysians to oppose extremism, embrace moderation

KUALA LUMPUR — Prime Minister Najib Razak yesterday called on Malaysians to stand up to religious extremism instead of breeding or tolerating it, espousing moderation as an essential factor for the country’s progress.

Mr Najib called on moderates not to be silent. Photo: Reuters

Mr Najib called on moderates not to be silent. Photo: Reuters

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KUALA LUMPUR — Prime Minister Najib Razak yesterday called on Malaysians to stand up to religious extremism instead of breeding or tolerating it, espousing moderation as an essential factor for the country’s progress.

In his latest blog post, Mr Najib said there were many instances of Islam being used to justify “heinous acts” of extremism, including murders of children, raping of women and the destruction of schools.

“We must put an end to this. These atrocities are destroying the good name of Islam, justifying their heinous acts under the much-abused concept of jihad,” Mr Najib wrote in his blog. He added that people cannot forget the real teachings of Islam because it is a religion that espouses coexistence and compassion.

“These atrocities have also destroyed the lives of many — the children who wish for nothing but love and care from their parents and to be educated like other children in other peaceful parts of the world, the adults who hope for nothing but to be able to earn a living for themselves and their loved ones,” he added.

The Prime Minister said moderation was a critical ingredient for the progress and modernisation of Malaysia. Citing the Quran, the Bible, the Jewish Torah and the teachings of Buddhism, Mr Najib added that all major religions teach moderation.

“As Malaysians in a multi-faith society, we live as one. Reject extremism and let us unite and advance peace and moderation as our way of life, the Malaysian way of life,” he said.

In recent months, authorities have arrested dozens of suspected militants and uncovered several terror plots planned in the name of the Islamic State militant group.

In the most recent case in May, six suspected militants were charged in connection with plans to use explosives to attack Putrajaya, the federal Parliament and entertainment venues. The youngest charged was 17 years old.

Mr Najib said persuasion, negotiation and cooperation were the means to combat extremism. He added that silence would mean condoning violence.

“Silence can mean acquiescence. The burden is on us to ensure that the voice of reason is louder than ever, carrying the massed ranks of moderates everywhere. We must not be the silent majority,” he said.

Recently, Malaysia has also seen a spate of strict dress-code enforcement incidents in which non-Muslim women were stopped from entering public institutions because of their clothes, sparking concerns of growing religious fundamentalism. AGENCIES

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