PUT MODERATION INTO PRACTICE, SAYS MALAYSIAN PM NAJIB

LONDON, July 16 (Bernama) -- Moderate Muslims must come out of the woodwork
to present a positive image of Islam and counter extremist elements in their
midst, said Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak.

He said the one and a half billion believers on the planet should practise
moderation in their daily life and show respect towards each other in order to
project the true image of the faith.

The prime minister said, it was unfortunate that Islam, a religion which
advocates moderation, was mired in Islamophobia and extremism in some parts of
the world.

"The real issue is not between Muslims and non-Muslims but between the
moderates and extremists of all religions," he said in his remarks at a dialogue
with a group of prominent Muslim leaders in the United Kingdom, here, Friday.

He stressed that moderation was the way forward towards a better future for
the next generation.

Held on the final day of Najib's four-day official visit to the UK, the
session was attended by, among others, Muslim Aid chairman Sir Iqbal Sacranie
and Faith Regen Foundation chief executive Dr Husna Ahmad.

Others included Muslim Weekly newspaper chairman Abdul Malik, Member of
Parliament for Glasgow Central Anas Sarwar and Muslim Council of Britain deputy
secretary-general Dr Shuja Shafi.

Najib also received a courtesy call from HSBC Holdings Group chief executive
Stuart Gulliver.

Najib will end his visit with a gathering with members of the Malaysian
community in the UK tonight.

On Saturday, the prime minister is sheduled to visit the Lotus assembly
plant in Norwich.