Malaysia condemns Islamic State militants’ actions in Syria, Iraq

0

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia strongly condemned the action of the Islamic State militants in Syria and Iraq and felt deeply saddened by the crimes committed in the name of Islam, which is a religion of peace.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said, Malaysia deplored those responsible and called on the international community to act in concert to prevent further violence.

“We must fight extremism with moderation and work to rebuild the bonds between communities shattered by war.

“Muslims around the world have watched in horror as a new conflict tears into Syria and Iraq. As reports of mass executions and killing of civilians surface and graphic evidence of brutality emerges, we have been appalled,” he said in a statement here, yesterday.

Najib said, when states failed or were broken by war, extremists saw opportunity and they preyed on the differences between people using faith as a cover for atrocities.

The extremists, however, did not speak for Muslims, Najib said, adding that  the action of the Islamic state militants were against the teaching of Islam, culture and humanity.

“They are against the teachings of the Prophet, a man of peace and moderation and against Islamic law, which prizes the protection of life above all,” he said.

Najib said around the world, the majority of Muslims sought to live free from violence.

“We do not recognise the vision of our faith being forced on innocent civilians – whether Sunni, Shia or Christian – over the barrel of a gun,” he said. — Bernama