Malaysiakini (http://www.malaysiakini.com)
PM: Change misperceptions of Islam, 2 September 2010
The Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak called on Muslims throughout the world to work together in changing the misperception of the non-Muslim community towards Islam, which places importance on peace and stability.
He said this was because there were still misconception among the non-Muslim communities, including in the West, pertaining to Islam.
For example, he said that in a recent issue of the Time Magazine, there was still a new terminology, 'Islam phobia'.
"The attitude of the non-Muslims towards Islam has not changed much. They still have the perception that Islam is a threat to them.
"As such the Muslim community must assist in making the non-Muslim community understand that Islam is a religion that places importance on peace and stability," he said at a breaking of the fast with ambassadors and representatives of the foreign missions at Wisma Putra, Putrajaya, tonight.
Also present was Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Anifah Aman, and the prime minister's wife, Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor.
Najib hoped that the clarification and attitude shown by the Muslim community could eliminate the misconception of the non-Muslims towards Islam.
In Malaysia, he said although the people comprised various races with differing religious beliefs, they could still live in peace and harmony.
For this, he said the government would ensure that there would be no room for any kind of extremism in the country whether in the form of racial or religious extremism.
"They must be guarded accordingly. For example, if you cause damage to a church or mosque, the punishment should be the same. We cannot have one set of punishment which is reversed from the other. This is to ensure peace and harmony in this country," he said.
Tribute to Rastam
Meanwhile, Najib paid tribute to the Foreign Ministry's Secretary-General Rastam Mohd Isa for his contribution throughout his tenure in the civil service which spanned 36 years.
The Foreign Ministry's Deputy Secretary-General I, Datuk Mohd Radzi Abdul Rahman, will succeed Rastam as the ministry's secretary-general, effective Friday.
Rastam, 59, had served as the ambassador to Pakistan, Bosnia Herzegovina, Indonesia and as a permanent representative to the United Nations (UN).
(End)
