Avoid religious extremism: Najib

SHAH ALAM: Religious extremism must be avoided to ensure Malaysia remains a peaceful and a stable nation, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak says.
He added although there will be some extremists among us, the vast majority of the people are committed to keeping the peace intact.
"There will be extremists around us, whether it's Muslims, Buddhists, Hindus or Christians but let there be very few.
"We must ensure that extremists do not influence us in any way, and let the vast majority of Malaysians commit ourselves to the true meaning of each of our religions," Najib said when launching the national Wesak hi-tea celebration at Samadhi Vihara temple here today.
Najib said Malaysia as a multicultural nation has been a good role model of other countries in keeping its peace and stability to move forward.
Therefore, he added, Malaysians must remain united as the nation's success is achieved through its social and political stability.
"The core of our stability is our togetherness. Without practising the common values that bind and unite us, we will not be able to achieve it.
"Our future also depends on political and social stability, and it can only become a reality if we have interfaith harmony in this country," he said.
Najib said Malaysia is a "land of hope" and a country with "great opportunities".
Thus, he urged Malaysians to set aside differences and build a stronger Malaysia.
"I cannot do it alone as a prime minister, my colleagues in the cabinet cannot make it on their own, civil society organisations cannot make it on their own, but together we can," he said.
About 1,000 people attended the hi-tea in conjunction with the national level Wesak day.