M`SIA RESPECTS SHI`ITE TEACHINGS IN OTHER COUNTRIES

YAN (Kedah, Malaysia), Dec 20 (Bernama) -- While Malaysia has diplomatic
relations with Arab countries, like Iran, which practise the Shi'ite teachings,
it has banned such teachings in this country.

Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Jamil Khir Baharom said the
government had banned the Shi'ite teachings as it could mislead the people and
contradict the Sunni teachings followed by Malaysians.

"If there are two sects in this country, it may lead to bloodshed because
the Muslim society will have differences in religious opinion, like what has
happened to Muslim societies in Pakistan and Iraq.

"The government disallows the spreading of this (Shi'ite) teaching,
following several wrongful propogations which could stir the harmony of the
Muslims in this country," he said.

Jamil Khir was speaking to reporters after presenting school uniforms to 450
students at a secondary religious school here Sunday, donated by the United
Malays National Organisation (Umno) Jerai division.

Last Thursday, the Selangor Islamic Religious Department detained 200
Shi'ite followers in an operation at a shoplot in Taman Sri Gombak, Batu Caves,
near Kuala Lumpur.

Jamil Khir said, to maintain the harmonious Muslim society in the country,
the government and the state Islamic religious departments should monitor and
take appropriate action to contain such activities from spreading.
-- BERNAMA