Steer away from religious fanaticism — Abg Johari

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KOTA SAMARAHAN: In a multi-religious country like Malaysia, followers of a particular faith should steer away from fanaticism to avoid disrupting racial and religious harmony, said Housing and Urban Development Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg.

QARI CHAMPION: Abang Johari (right) presents the trophy to Mustapha.

QARI CHAMPION: Abang Johari (right) presents the trophy to Mustapha.

Practise your religion moderately to ensure stability, he said, adding that  overzealousness could affect other religions which in turn bring chaos, as was happening in some countries.

Speaking at the closing ceremony of the State Health Department’s ‘33rd Tilawah Al-Quran and Nasyid Competition’ at the Civic Centre here yesterday, he added: “Mutual understanding and unity among the multi-religious community is very important as this would bring peace and harmony to all the people.

“In turn, this would ensure political stability and continuous prosperity of the nation.”

Followers of all faith must also learn to understand and to share the ‘living together’ culture so that they would have a better judgment of another religion, he said.

On the competition, Abang Johari, who is also Persatuan Kebajikan Islam Perubatan (Perkip) acting chief, said he hoped that through such programmes , the Islamic community in the country would move forward in line with global development and again urged them to avoid conflicts that could lead to racial tensions.

“By understanding the words of the Quran, Muslims could enhance their knowledge especially in Science and Technology which would benefit the community.”

Speaking at the event earlier, State Health Department deputy director (Public Health) Dr Jamilah Hashim, who represented its director Dr Zulkifli Jantan, stated that the competition was held for four days beginning June 17.

“The Tilawah Al-Quran managed to attract about 22 participants while 19 groups take part in the Nasyid competition,” she continued.

Mustapha Amru Ruduan of Perkip Miri emerged the winner for the ‘Qari’ category with a total mark of 79.5.

For the ‘Qariah’, Norazizah Yunus of Perkip Sibu is the champion scoring 75 marks.

Nasyid group Za’im of Perkip Kuching beat 18 other groups to be declared the winner in the Nasyid category. The group sang ‘Ikrar’ for their winning performance.

All the winners took home a trophy each and certificates of participation.

Also present at the closing ceremony were deputy director (Management) Ahmad Abdul Hamid, Samarahan Health Officer Dr Hashimah Basri and Perkip president Julaihi Juna.

The competition was organised by the Health Department in collaboration with Perkip.