MISSIONARIES MUST BE FREE FROM EXTREMIST INFLUENCE, SAYS DR MAHATHIR

KANGAR (Malaysia), June 25 (Bernama) -- Local missionaries must be free from
extremist influence which tarnishes the image of Islam in discharging their
responsibilities, said Dr Mahathir Mohamad Friday.

The former prime minister said if there were missionaries who were
influenced by the extreme practices of certain Islamic countries and try to
spread such practices in this country, it would pose problems.

"They should preach smartly to suit the local situation," he said when
opening the 49th annual general meeting of the Malaysian Muslim Welfare
Organisation (Perkim), here.

Dr Mahathir, who is also the Perkim president, said extremist missionary
activities not only tarnished the image of the Islamic religion but would also
result in the Muslims being looked upon with contempt and create splits within
the Muslims.

Worse still, Dr Mahathir said there were those who felt that violence
must be used to topple governments on grounds that they did not follow the
wishes of Islam, without thinking that violence was a form of cruelty.

Meanwhile, Dr Mahathir was returned unopposed for the post of Perkim
president which he held since 2006.

Perkim honorary secretary-general Dr Abdul Hamid Othman announced
the result at the general meeting held at a hotel here.
-- BERNAMA


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