ISLAM'S OFFICIAL STATUS PROVIDES FOR SPECIAL ALLOCATIONS

TANJUNG MALIM (Malaysia), Dec 19 (Bernama) -- The Ruler of northern state
of Perak Sultan Azlan Shah Friday said that Islam's status as the country's
official religion as enshrined in the constitution and the position of the
Malaysian Supreme King and Malay state rulers as heads of the religion allows
for the Federal Government and State Governments to allocate spending for the
matters related to the religion.

He said apart from that the government also had the wisdom to meet the needs
of other religions in the country.

"Religious matters are enshrined in the country's Constitution. Article 3
(1) of the Malaysian Constitution sets Islam as the official religion; but other
religions can be practised in peace and harmony," he said at a function to
commemorate Maal Hijrah 1431 Hijrah at the Perak-state level as well as to
officiate the Masjid At-Taqwa at Proton City here.

Also present was the Crown Prince of Perak Raja Dr Nazrin Shah.

Sultan Azlan said the constitution was drafted as an instrument of reference
to governance as the country achieved independence and the consitution was not
only drafted by Muslims and Malays but was drafted with agreement of various
quarters who represented various races and religions.

"The spirit enshrined in Article 3 (1) of the Constitution is recognised by
the country. That is why on festivals various cultures and religions are
respected to the point that Malaysia has so many public holidays to respect
religious and cultural events," he said.

He said the high level of tolerance and understanding displayed by Muslims
and Malays as the indigenous people of the land enabled and allowed the
fostering of various cultures and religions and this was the basis for
Malaysia's strength as a united nation, with political stability, capable of
economic growth that was effective and focused.

"Matters related to race, culture, language and religion are sensitive and
can easily touch emotions. Such sensitive matters can easily lead to provocation
as well as misunderstanding leading up to controversy and confrontation," he
said.
-- BERNAMA