'Violence has not been part of the practice of religion in Malaysia. Even the introduction of Islam was through peaceful means,' Mr Najib Razak (above) said. --PHOTO: AFP
PUTRAJAYA - THE situation in Malaysia is under control, said Malaysian Prime Minister as his deputy took the message to investors and tourists in London.
'Violence has not been part of the practice of religion in Malaysia. Even the introduction of Islam was through peaceful means,' Mr Najib Razak told 10 media representatives from India who paid a visit to his office here on Monday. He was responding to questions over whether the recent arson attempts were similar to the trend in Pakistan seven years ago.
Asked if there would be a change to secular practices in the country, Mr Najib said: 'We can handle the situation. We can manage it. In fact, the level of tension has gone down. The show of unhappiness after the last Friday prayers at the mosques was quite minimal and under control.'
He said it was an exaggeration to say that tension had reached a high following the court decision as the church attacks were a reaction by only a small group of people.
In London, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin assured foreign investors and tourists that Malaysia was safe. 'We will not compromise on issues that can jeopardise national security, racial harmony and good relations among the people,' he told Malaysian journalists covering his official visit to Britain on Monday.
Mr Muhyiddin said Malaysia recorded over 23 million tourist arrivals last year and was voted among the top five tourist destinations worldwide, besides being included in Lonely Planet's top 10 recommended countries. 'These are positive developments which we hope will not be overshadowed by the negative reports.' -- THE STAR/ANN
