NOT THE TIME TO CREATE CONFLICTS, DISUNITY -MINISTER

KUALA LUMPUR, March 10 (Bernama) -- Muslims should think far and not allow
differences of opinion to create disunity in the community which could be
difficult to rebuild, said Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Dr Ahmad
Zahid Hamidi.

He said Muslims should act wisely, be courteous and place importance on the
community's well-being.

"This is not the time for us to widen the gap of understanding, create
disunity and show disrespect for Islam and the institutions that represent its
strength.

"We should not be preoccupied with polemics and conflicts because disunity
is not good for the community," he said at a Maulidur Rasul 1430 Hijrah/2009
celebration at Dataran Merdeka (Merdeka Square), here, Monday.

Later at a press conference, Ahmad Zahid said overall, there was still unity
among Muslims in the country and this situation should prevail.

On the Maulidur Rasul Premier Award introduced for the first time this year,
he said it was aimed at showing appreciation and recognition for an individual's
efforts in preaching the religion.

"We need to recognise someone who represents moderate, progressive Islamic
intellectuals and highlight his contributions at the national and international
levels, hence becoming an icon for the younger generation," he said.
The recipient of the award, Prof Dr Sidek Baba from the Education Institute
of the International Islamic University when met, said that as unity was vital
for a multiracial country like Malaysia, it was better to emphasise the
similarities than the differences.

"Many aspects like brotherhood, goodwill, esprit de corps, good
neighbourliness, family spirit and gotong-royong (working together) form the
basis of the lives of Muslims. Why are these not actively promoted?

"There will be differences among us, but we must handle them with decorum
and respect for each other and not allow them to destroy our relations."

Sidek said Malays and other Muslims, who were the majority in this country
and formed the core of its history and culture, must be able to provide the
leadership for a united Malaysian society.
-- BERNAMA