Don't use Islam Hadhari to breed intolerance and hatred, warned the prime minister today.

"Islam Hadhari is not a blank cheque to bring about conservative revivalism in this country. Neither is it a blank cheque for permissiveness," said Abdullah Ahmad Badawi in his opening speech at the Umno general assembly this morning.

He said that he introduced Islam Hadhari as an approach and philosophy to remind Muslims that their faith required them to succeed in this world.

"Islam Hadhari reminds us that our religion is more than just literal laws and prohibitions.

"Unfortunately, some quarters have misinterpreted Islam Hadhari as an excuse to become more conservative and more radical," told Abdullah to some 2,500 delegates. The assembly will run till Friday.

The Umno president said that long accepted cultural practices such as sending greetings or wishing another Malaysian in conjunction with their own festival - were now damned as taboo.

"This is not Islam Hadhari... no one (should) try to hijack Islam in Malaysia in order to breed intolerance and hatred.

"I promise you that I will take stern action against any group - Muslim or non-Muslim - that seeks to undermine the delicate (racial) balance by questioning the status of Islam or by inciting people based on bogus allegations and fictitious threats," he added.

Hidden agenda

Abdullah said that those who have hijacked the Islam Hadhari concept wanted to see the nation torn apart and fail as a multi-racial, multi-religious nation.

"It is these same groups who make such proclamations that are conjuring imaginary threats aimed at inciting Muslims, hoping that they (Muslims) will become more intolerant of others," he said.

To illustrate the working of these groups, Abdullah gave recent examples of the SMS rumours which claimed mass baptisms of Muslims and the purported formation of a Malay Christian Association.

"There are even those who claim without any proof - that hundreds of Malay Muslims have become apostates ( murtad )."

On this score, Abdullah said all discussions of sensitive topics must be done rationally and with cool heads.

"But of late, we see increased polemics on issues related to race and religion. And it has reached a level where it is now worrying.

"There are several reasons for this. One reason is the more open environment which has allowed debate but this has digressed to a level where the line on religion and race issues has been crossed," he added.

Warning to media

He also reminded the media of their responsibility and accountability in ensuring national development and national unity.

Failing to adhere to these will result in the government coming down hard on them, Abdullah warned.

"We hope that the media does not get caught up with sensationalising issues that can erode racial harmony, threaten public security or adversely impact national security," he said.

"We will continue to be vigilant when it comes to national security and public safety. I would like to warn those who abuse this freedom that I will not for a moment hesitate to use the law against them," he added.

The Umno president however said that he will continue to encourage a more open environment that is consistent with healthy democratic practices.

"The media now has greater freedom to publish news that highlight the mistakes of the government and government agencies," he said.

"Nonetheless, freedom does not mean one can be absolved from responsibility. Freedom has its limits.

"Freedom must be shaped in the context of a young nation that is made up of many religions, races, cultures and languages."

Salient points from Abdullah's speech .