RELIGIOUS INSTITUTIONS ASKED TO PROMOTE UNITY

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 26 (Bernama) -- Religious institutions need to play a more active role in spreading the message of unity among the people, said the Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

He said religious leaders in the country could spread the message of
unity during religious functions like the Friday prayers for Muslims and church
gatherings on Sundays for Christians.

"If all of us love Malaysia, if we love peace, if we want to create harmony,
therefore, we must ensure that whatever we say, whatever we do, we emphasise
first of all, on the importance of ensuring that there is religious tolerance
and freedom of worship in Malaysia," he said when attending a Christmas open
house organised by the Christian Federation of Malaysia (CFM) at Wisma Eagles in
Subang Jaya near here Thursday.

He said Malaysians should also count their blessings for the peace and
prosperity they enjoy and that all should do their part to ensure this
continued.

Abdullah also said it was the responsibility of parents to ensure their
children grew up tolerant of others and did not have any prejudices about other
races or religions.

He said racial and religious differences should not be obstacles for the
people to live in peace and harmony.

"There should not be any feeling of unhappiness or of being marginalised in
this country. If we have a common objective, we will overcome all our
differences," he added.

CFM's vice chairman Reverend Dr Eu Hong Seng said the Christian community
was committed to cooperating with the government to ensure Malaysia's continued
progress.