Najib (File Photo)
KUALA LUMPUR: Mingling well with other religious groups creates better understanding for Malaysians, rather than resort to violence in the misguided name of religion, said Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.
The Prime Minister said such practice would make Malaysians better religionists and “become better, understanding and respectful Malaysians”.
“Closing up within a religion causes bigotry, breeds extremism and misguided causes in the name of religion. Some even resort to violence in the misguided name of religion.
“While attempting to spearhead one’s religion through such misguided ways, they only dig the grave of one’s own religion,” he said in his blog to wish a Happy Wesak to Buddhists.
He said in Malaysia, Buddhists formed the second largest religious group after Islam.
Najib said the fact that there were so many Buddhist temples and centres in the country was testimony to the freedom of religion in multi-ethnic, multi-religious Malaysia.
He noted that Buddhist groups had came forward to assist their fellow Malaysians in times of natural disasters in the
country such as the Kelantan floods in late 2014.
“It was heart warming to see so many Buddhists reaching out to the mostly Malaysian Muslims and Orang Asli communities who were severely impacted by the floods.
“Every day of the week, Malaysian Buddhist groups are operating soup kitchens to feed the needy. During the Hari Raya, Chinese New Year, Deepavalli, and Christmas, they also give gift packs containing dry food rations, toiletries, towels, clothes, etc to these needy people,” he said.
He said several Buddhist groups were also operating old folks homes and orphanages.
Najib said Buddhists were also the largest group pledging cornea donation in the country, bringing sight to the sightless.
“They do this as a religious calling, serving all irrespective of race or religion. I must congratulate you for living up to this religious calling selflessly,” he said. — BERNAMA