PM NAJIB STRONGLY OPPOSES THE ACTION OF EXTREMISTS IN THE COUNTRY

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 15 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Najib Razak Wednesday
expressed strong opposition to the actions of extremist groups or
individuals who believe in their radical views and actions against others.

"It saddens me that despite living in an independent multi-cultural nation
for over 50 years, there are still those among us who cannot tolerate, much less
accept the benefits of a perse society," he said.

He said this in his latest entry entitled "Our Fight Against Extremism" in
his blog, www.1malaysia.com.my here.

Najib said he was sad because by rejecting the perse way of life of the
Malaysian people, these groups were rejecting the 1Malaysia concept.

He said as Malaysia celebrated a landmark in its history Thursday, there was
much to be proud of because Malaysia was a developing nation that had excelled
in many sectors such as tourism, banking and finance, halal, medicine and many
more.

"We are blessed to be able to experience different cultures, food and
religions without traveling far and abroad.

"While we have achieved so much, it troubles me to see a rise in issues
rooted in extremism in the nation.

"This is not limited to racism. Extremists are groups or inpiduals who
subscribe to radical views and actions against others.

"They treat anyone who is different as an enemy and engineer fear in people
who don't conform to their thoughts or ideologies and, in some cases in people
who simply look different," Najib said.

Hence, extremism here applied to a gamut of factors, including racism, arts,
culture, way of life, and more, the Prime Minister said.

While these groups were often small in number, their presence was amplified
through their extreme sentiments and acts. Nonetheless, the Government continued
to keep a watchful eye on such groups.

"We have dealt effectively with a number of extreme cases in Malaysia, such
as militant groups that have instigated conflicts and posed a genuine threat to
national security.

"We will continue to protect the Rakyat (people) and the nation from threats
from outside or within, through land, sea, air or cyberspace.

"We have been exposed to examples of extremist behaviour, regionally and
globally. I am glad that we have abstained from such acts, and instead displayed
maturity as a people, as 1Malaysia.

"I urge all Malaysians to be calm and rational in the face of such
extremism. To respond like with like only serves to escalate tensions between
our countries and becomes a hindrance to our own progress.

"Economies have faltered because of acts of extremism, and the road to
recovery is often long and hard," Najib added.
-- BERNAMA