CALL TO MUSLIMS TO STRENGTHEN CHARACTER, UNITY

PUTRAJAYA, Dec 19 (Bernama) -- Muslims must work on building strong
character while adopting good practices and staying away from the bad, said
Deputy Malaysian King Tuanku Abdul Halim Muad'zam Shah.

He said the Muslim community should emulate the tolerance and ability to
give and take as demonstrated by Prophet Muhammad and his compatriots.

"Although the clans (during the time of Prophet Muhamamd) initially wanted
to defend their views and opinions, they were willing to put aside their
interests for their people, and whatever problems they had were resolved
amicably.
"As a result, Islam continued to spread and flourish," he said at the
2009/1431 National-Level Maal Hijrah celebration at the Putrajaya International
Convention Centre here Friday.

He also reminded each Muslim to take responsibility for uniting the Muslim
community and set aside group or individual interests.

"Muslims must put Islamic law above anything else. This is the only way to
avoid disturbances, slander, friction and disunity.

"They must work hard to attain the strength, greatness and excellence
achieved by Muslims long ago," he added.

In east coast city of KOTA BAHRU, the Regent of east coast state of
Kelantan, Tengku Muhammad Faris Petra Sultan Ismail Petra stressed on examples
related to the fall of Islam such as the fall of the Ottaman empire in 1924
which happened of Muslim disunity.

"Muslims are now in an era of weakness and total collapse. They are
disunited based on race, thinking and clans, which results in them being
challenged and insulted everywhere," he said.

In KOTA KINABALU, capital of East Malaysia state of Sabah, Sabah Governor
Ahmadshah Abdullah called upon the people to place harmony and devotion in
increasing knowledge and ensuring peaceful living.

"I hope the people will work together to achieve the religious, racial and
national vision," he said at a function near here Friday.

In southern state of MELAKA, Chief Minister Mohd Ali Rustam said Maal Hijrah
celebrations this year themed "Strengthening Fraternity, Empowering the
Community" could contribute to the excellence and glory of Muslims.

"History has proved that the unity or fraternity is the bedrock for the
development of a civilisation," he said.

In southern city of JOHOR BAHARU, Chief Minister of southern state of Johor
Abdul Ghani Othman asked the Muslim community to appreciate the Hijrah (flight
of Prophet Muhammad from Mecca to Medina in 622 AD) and plan the best strategy
to bring Islam to greater heights.

He said Islam was frequently misundertood as being a barrier to development,
and had been accused of causing chaos in people's lives.

"They question the credibility of Islam by giving examples to support them
such as apostates, Islamic liberalisation, secularism, changing religions,
questioning fatwas (relogious decreeas) and such," he said here.

In SAMARAHAN in East Malaysia state of Sarawak, Sarawak Chief Minister Abdul
Taib Mahmud urged Muslims to be innovative and creating toward attaining higher
levels of success.

"We need to emulate the struggles of Prophet Muhammad in continuing the
agenda fo change in today's context for the betterment of the community and
nation," he said.
-- BERNAMA