Kuala Lumpur: In the wake of protests by Muslims against the relocation of a 100-year-old Hindu temple to their neighbourhood, Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak Monday asked them to learn the lessons of religious tolerance and mutual respect as taught by Quran.
He said the teachings will in turn win Muslims the respect of those of other faiths and backgrounds.
"Islam was brought to the world as a universal religion which called on its followers not to hate people of any race or faith, especially if it could cause the latter to be treated unfairly," he told staff of the Prime Minister`s Department at its monthly gathering today.
The Prime Minister`s comments come in the wake of a group of Muslims protested against the relocation of the Hindu temple to their neighbourhood near here. The protests sparked controversy when some of the participants engaged in an activity that hurt the sentiments of Hindus.
Razak said it was important for Muslims in the country to look into the teachings closely as they observed the religious requirements during the holy month of Ramadan and
also celebrated the Nuzul Al-Quran, when the Quran was passed down to man.
"Islam is a religion for all and it enforces a universal concept that looks out for races while also teaching us not to criticise other religions because this will only
cause others to criticise us even more," he was quoted as saying by online daily `Star`.
Bureau Report
