Muslims should play an important role in projecting the actual Islamic way of life to the world so that the religion would be respected by the other communities.

Former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad said by projecting the positive traits and fairness of the religion, “I am certain it will at least reduce opposition to the religion or fear among the non-Muslims against Muslims and Islam.”

“To the extent that we are regarded as terrorists who kill without mercy. We are accused of many things. As a result, we are attacked and oppressed. This is the fate of Muslims currently,” he said at the ground-breaking ceremony for the Malaysian Islamic Welfare Organisation Complex (Perkim) building for Selangor costing RM30 million in Shah Alam today.

NONE Mahathir ( left ), who is also Perkim national president, said Muslims should always correct themselves so that they become successful people in the present world and hereafter.

For the Muslims in the country, who form the majority of the Malaysian population, they should implement and determine the system of administration according to the actual Islamic teachings which would bring justice and prosperity to everyone, he said.

Mahathir said if the country's administration did not provide justice to everyone as required by Islam, and denied the rights of others and oppressed them, it would give a bad impression on Islam.    

Mahathir said Muslims in the country must be united and avoid factionalism or enmity between one another.    

The Selangor Perkim Complex would be built on a 0.56-hectare site and would comprise two blocks with a main hall, office space, shop lots, surau, library, seminar rooms, lecture halls, hostel and a kitchen.

- Bernama