MUSLIMS NEED TO PROJECT ACTUAL ISLAMIC WAY OF LIFE TO GAIN RESPECT - DR MAHATHIR

SHAH ALAM, June 24 (Bernama) -- Muslims should play an important role in
projecting the actual Islamic way of life to the world so that the religion
would be respected by the other communities.

Former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad said by projecting the positive
traits and fairness of the religion, "I am certain it will at least reduce
opposition to the religion or fear among the non-Muslims against Muslims
and Islam."

"To the extent that we are regarded as terrorists who kill without mercy .
We are accused of many things. As a result, we are attacked and oppressed. This
is the fate of Muslims currently," he said at the ground-breaking ceremony for
the Malaysian Islamic Welfare Organisation Complex (Perkim) building for
Selangor costing RM30 million (US$10 million), here Friday.

Dr Mahathir, who is also Perkim national president, said Muslims should
always correct themselves so that they become successful people in the present
world and hereafter.

For the Muslims in the country, who form the majority of the Malaysian
population, they should implement and determine the system of administration
according to the actual Islamic teachings which would bring justice and
prosperity to everyone, he said.

Dr Mahathir said if the country's administration did not provide justice to
everyone as required by Islam, and denied the rights of others and oppressed
them, it would give a bad impression on Islam.

Dr Mahathir said Muslims in the country must be united and avoid
factionalism or enmity between one another.

The Selangor Perkim Complex would be built on a 0.56-hectare site and would
comprise two blocks with a main hall, office space, shop lots, surau, library,
seminar rooms, lecture halls, hostel and a kitchen.
-- BERNAMA