Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi today conceded that there were underlying religious tensions in the country although the various communities lived in harmony.

"I do not want to claim there are no latent tensions and frustrations among the different ethnic and religious communities in Malaysia... there are still many things we need to work on," he told a gathering of international church leaders in Kuala Lumpur.

"I believe it is important for citizens of this country to realise that tolerance of other religions goes beyond mere coexistence," added the premier, who later stunned his audience when he broke into tears while speaking on the state of the world.

Abdullah said all Malaysians must engage with one another, create and sustain an open dialogue and build a permanent bridge of cooperation through mutual participation.

PM honoured

However, he noted that Malaysia's cultural, language and religious diversity could serve as a lesson to the world on how to make a diverse country work.

"... I am confident Malaysia can be a showcase," he added.

The premier also said that he had a responsibility to protect the rights of all Malaysians regardless of their religion and to ensure their freedom to practice their respective faiths.

In his seven-page speech, Abdullah said he was honoured that Malaysia had been chosen to host the meeting of the church leaders.

"The fact that you are gathered here in a Muslim country gives me great hope that together we can fight the perception that religions are at war and that civilizations are colliding," he added.

The premier stressed that the most important virtue brought out by Malaysians over the years was moderation which had always helped curb extremism.

"Moderation has guarded us from bigotry and hatred (and) allowed us to practise the true teachings of our respective religions, but promoting it is not easy, (as) many people uncompromisingly practise their faith in absolutist terms," he added.

In tears

Abdullah also touched on global issues such as the evident lines of conflict between religions and civilisations, following the Sept 11 terrorist strikes on America.

"In the eyes of many Muslims, events in the last three years seem to lend credence to the view that the Christian west is once again at war with the Muslim world." he said while highlighting the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan as having taken religious undertones.

In view of this, he called for a more concerted effort to initiate inter-faith dialogues and urged people to look beyond sensational headlines that create religious intolerance and to talk openly about issues.

Tears began to stream down Abdullah's cheeks as he called on the Christian leaders to join him in "calling people of all faiths and goodwill to unite and work together for the sake of peace and justice."

Asked on why he broke down at a press conference later, the premier replied: "I myself was moved by what I was saying... there are so many problems in the world..."

The church leaders are attending a 'Faith and Order plenary commission meeting' organised by the World Council of Churches (WCC)

The meeting which commenced on July 28 will end on Aug 6. It is attended by over 100 church leaders, theologians and scholars from 15 "church families" worldwide working towards the visible unity of the Christian Church.

The commission, a 76-year-old body is holding its plenary meeting in a Muslim-majority country for the first time and Abdullah is the first Muslim prime minister to address the commission

The commission also presented him with an Arabic version of the Bible gratifying his presence at the meeting.