DPM: Moderation agenda will be implemented
KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi says he will ensure that the moderation agenda which the Prime Minister is spearheading will be applied in Malaysia.
Speaking to an audience of more than 130 mufti and ulama from 38 countries, the Deputy Prime Minister said Muslims had a duty to counter Islamophobia and attempts to smear the image of Islam by those who wanted to portray it as a religion that promoted extremism.
“Violence has no relation to Islam, but the religion and its followers have been given a negative image.
“It is therefore our moral responsibility to correct this and tell the world that Islam is a religion that promotes peace,” he said when closing the International Conference of Ulama held at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia.
With “Islam is Peace” as its theme, the three-day conference that started on Wednesday was organised by Pertubuhan Tarekat Muktabar Malaysia (Pertama).
Dr Ahmad Zahid gave an assurance that he would help ensure that Malaysia implements its moderation agenda.
Dr Ahmad Zahid, during his speech, announced that Kuala Lumpur would host a global Sufi centre. The independent centre will be set up with a US$1mil (RM4.28mil) donation by a philanthropist, whom he did not name.
A foreign participant then piped: “Thank you, Prime Minister!” to everyone’s amusement.
This prompted Dr Ahmad Zahid to cut in and explain that he was not the Prime Minister.
“I’m only his deputy. I’m assisting him, I’m very loyal to him and I will make sure that the moderation agenda which he is promoting will be applied to our system,” said an amused Dr Ahmad Zahid.
“I am assisting him and I promise that I will continuously assist him as his deputy,” he added, drawing applause from the audience.
The Deputy Prime Minister, in his speech, also expressed sadness about the plight of oppressed Muslims in a number of countries.
They include in Palestine where Muslims are struggling to gain entrance to the Al Aqsa Mosque due to curbs by Israel.
“We do not hate the Jews or wish to be enemies with them, but we oppose a regime which denies Islam and the rights of the Palestinians.
“Malaysia has never opposed any of its neighbours in Asean from setting up ties with Israel but they must remember that as long as this issue is not resolved well, the Middle East will remain in turmoil.
“Our aim is for universal peace and not animosity among us. Whether we are Sunni or Syiah, we should work together to uplift the image of Islam from being belittled by others,” he said.