Respecting each other’s religion must be a key virtue to be vigorously defended, said the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Najib Tun Razak at Batu Caves last night.
Malaysia being a multi-ethnic and multi-religious country, requires its citizens to mutually respect the religious beliefs of one another.
“I want to stress here that respecting each other’s religion is not only a key virtue that we must defend, it is also one of the principles in Islam,” said Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.
He said Islam in its true form, did not look down on other religions. It also disallowed Muslims from desecrating the places of worship of non-Muslims.
Najib added that in a multi-racial society, there could not be just one point of view all the time.
“It is also crucial for us to strive for a common goal in wanting to bring the country forward,” he said in his address to tens of thousands who flocked here on the eve of Thaipusam yesterday.
Those present included his wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, Home Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein and MIC president Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu.
Najib pointed out that both his late father Tun Abdul Razak and former prime minister Tun Hussein Onn had also visited Batu Caves during Thaipusam when they held office.
Meanwhile, Najib on his blog yesterday, wished the Indian community a very happy Thaipusam.
“I hope that all witnessing this spectacular event will enjoy its colours and sounds in a grand demonstration of harmony and unity,” he said.
He added that the occasion was another chance to exhibit appreciation for the cultural wealth Malaysia had long enjoyed as a nation, in the spirit of 1Malaysia.
News courtesy of theSTAR
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