Salleh urges Malaysians to stand up for moderation

KUALA LUMPUR: Communications and Multimedia Minister Datuk Seri Dr Salleh Said Keruak has called on the people to stand up for moderation and respect for others, saying that extreme views on religion could disrupt the unity of the multi-religious society in this country.
He said Malaysia had chosen the moderate way, and this had to be preserved at all times.
"Expressing extreme personal views on religion publicly will be detrimental to the unity of the multi-religious society.
"We don't live in isolation and we need to respect each other," he told Bernama after attending a Malaysian-style Deepavali Open House hosted by Tan Sri K. Kenneth Eswaran at HGH Convention Centre, near here today.
Salleh said moderation was the best approach for the country's plural society in maintaining the existing peace and harmony.

The minister said the prevailing peace and harmony was achieved through the concept of moderation practised by Malaysians who do not subscribe to extremism and violation of the law.
"Malaysia's population comprises many ethnic groups, and the suitable recipe to maintain harmony, tolerance and peace is through moderation. The moderation approach can educate us to think rationally and act wisely," he said.
In this respect, Salleh also urged Malaysians to reject efforts by certain quarters to sow hatred by using religion and race as issues to create disharmony among the people. — Bernama