Kuala Lumpur: Acknowledging the power of moderation and tolerance in Indians, Malaysia on Monday said the two qualities are vital for progress and can overcome the voices of extremism.
Lauding the long centuries of Indian tradition in moderation and tolerance, Koh Tsu Koon, Malaysian minister in Prime Minister`s Department said, "Malaysian experience over the last five centuries too had proved that moderation and tolerance were vital for progress".
"If moderates speak out more often, the voices of moderation can overcome the voices of extremism," the minister said while inaugurating a round table on "peaceful co-existence: the Indian experience in moderation" organised by Global Movement for Moderates Foundation (GMMF) here.
"Every country has its story...Every country has its challenges. Through mutual appreciation we can definitely create a better world," he said.
"We want to seek progress through dialogue and not through bullet", he said.
Koon said the problem is not with religion but with wrong interpretations and manipulations of religions.
Moderates of the world must work together to push out extremists of the world. This could be achieved through purposeful and constructive engagement of leaders and common people as repeatedly underscored by Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak, Koon said.
Noted historian from India and former vice-chancellor of Calicut University, Dr KKN Kururp said national cultures also play an important role in promoting moderation and tolerance as proved by India over the last several centuries.
Khalek Awaang, president GMMF was among those present.
PTI
