Fight extremism, says PM | Bernama
KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 15 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak today expressed strong opposition to the actions of extremist groups or individuals who believe in their radical views and actions against others.
“It saddens me that despite living in an independent multi-cultural nation for over 50 years, there are still those among us who cannot tolerate, much less accept the benefits of a [peaceful] society,” he said.
He said this in his latest entry entitled “Our Fight Against Extremism” in his blog, www.1malaysia.com.my here.
Najib said he was sad because by rejecting Malaysians’ way of life, these groups were rejecting the 1 Malaysia concept.
He said as Malaysia celebrated a landmark in its history tomorrow, there was much to be proud of because Malaysia was a developing nation that had excelled in many sectors such as tourism, banking and finance, halal sector, medicine and many more.
“We are blessed to be able to experience different cultures, food and religions without travelling far and abroad.
“While we have achieved so much, it troubles me to see a rise in issues rooted in extremism in the nation.
“This is not limited to racism. Extremists are groups or individuals who subscribe to radical views and actions against others.
“They treat anyone who is different as an enemy and engineer fear in people who don’t conform to their thoughts or ideologies and, in some cases in people who simply look different,” Najib said.
Hence, extremism here applied to a gamut of factors, including racism, arts, culture, way of life, and more, the prime minister said.
While these groups were often small in number, their presence was amplified through their extreme sentiments and acts.
Nonetheless, the government continued to keep a watchful eye on such groups.
“We have dealt effectively with a number of extreme cases in Malaysia, such as militant groups that have instigated conflicts and posed a genuine threat to national security.
“We will continue to protect the Rakyat and the nation from threats from outside or within, through land, sea, air or cyberspace.
“We have been exposed to examples of extremist behaviour, regionally and globally. I am glad that we have abstained from such acts, and instead displayed maturity as a people, as 1 Malaysia.
“I urge all Malaysians to be calm and rational in the face of such extremism. To respond like with like only serves to escalate tensions between our countries and becomes a hindrance to our own progress.
“Economies have faltered because of acts of extremism, and the road to recovery is often long and hard,” Najib added. — Bernama