PM condemns Islamic State militants

PETALING JAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak (pix) said Malaysia strongly condemns the actions of the Islamic State for Iraq and Syria (ISIS) militants in Syria and Iraq.
In a statement yesterday, he said Muslims worldwide have watched in horror as a new conflict tears into Syria and Iraq.
He said when states fail or are broken by war, extremists see opportunity.
"They prey on the differences between people, using faith as a cover for atrocities. But they do not speak for us," he added.
"The actions of the Islamic State militants in Syria and Iraq are counter to our faith, our culture, and our common humanity.
"They are against the teachings of the Prophet, a man of peace and moderation; and against Islamic law, which prizes the protection of life above all."
He said he is deeply saddened by the crimes committed in the name of Islam, a religion of peace, and deplore those responsible and calls on the international community to act in concert to prevent further violence.
"We must fight extremism with moderation, and work to rebuild the bonds between communities shattered by war," he said.
"Around the world the majority of Muslims seek to live their lives free from violence. We do not recognise the vision of our faith being forced on innocent civilians – whether Sunni, Shia or Christian – over a barrel of a gun," he added.