DPM: We've never had extremism in Malaysia
For Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin, extremism had never existed in Malaysia. In fact, he said today, Malaysia has some of the "most moderate" Muslims in the entire world.
For Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin, extremism had never existed in Malaysia. In fact, he said today, Malaysia has some of the "most moderate" Muslims in the entire world.
"Since when did we have such extremism in Malaysia?" Muhyiddin said today, in response to Lawyers for Liberty (LFL) executive director Eric Paulsen's controversial tweet in which he alleged that the Islamic Development Department (Jakim) was promoting "extremism every Friday".
"In fact, the Muslims here are among the most moderate in the entire world," Muhyiddin said.
Speaking at a press conference at a school in Cyberjaya, Muhyiddin also called for "stern action" to be taken against Paulsen for the tweet.
"Maybe he (Paulsen) does not understand Islam and has not bothered to read about Islam before," he said.
"This should have been an issue. Friday sermons are one of the core principles of Islam," he added.
To be probed under the Sedition Act
He urged the authorities to ensure that appropriate action will be taken against Paulsen.
Inspector-general of police Khalid Abu Bakar has already said that Paulsen will be probed under the Sedition Act for the remarks.
Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Jamil Khir Baharom - who is in charge of Jakim - had also condemned the tweet before.
Earlier today, Muhyiddin visited a new a batch of Standard 1 students beginning their schooling in Cyberjaya.
He admitted that the recent floods - which had disrupted the new schooling year in several states - had left a "bitter experience" for the Education Ministry about locations and designs on future schools to be built.
"We in the ministry are committed to help those affected in whichever way possible," he said.
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