Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad today said there were internal and external elements that were working towards bringing down the country by creating chaos and disunity among the ethnic groups.

These groups, he said, were uneasy over the progress sustained by the country over the years.

He added that the government was aware of the existence of these elements, whom he linked to local non-government organisations and political parties.

There are groups hiding behind non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and political parties which use racial and religious issues to turn the people against government policies and efforts to build a peaceful, progressive and prosperous nation, Mahathir was quoted as saying by the national news agency Bernama . The report did not identify any particular groups as being involved in these activities.

The premier said this while pledging loyalty on behalf of the government and people of Malaysia to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Syed Putra Jamalullail at his installation at Istana Negara here.

He added that the government, on the other hand, had managed on its own to overcome problems such as economic and political crises and terrorism to bring continued development and progress.

Without help from any outside group, the government was able to handle various problems such as economic and financial pressure, and threat to internal security from militant groups and those who had strayed from Islamic teachings, he said.

Islam not an obstacle

Mahathir said that the country had also proved to the world that being an Islamic nation will not hinder any progress, adding further that the government will continue to take firm action to prevent Muslims from becoming weak and confused.

He also stressed that the government will ensure that Islam was not defiled or humiliated, and warned that stern actions will be taken against any group that uses Islam to serve personal or political interests.

The premier also gave his assurance that while the government will continue to uphold Islam as the religion of the federation, it will nevertheless safeguard the freedom of worship for the followers of other religions.