National mariner Azhar Mansor today ended speculations on his religious status by openly declaring that he is still a Muslim.

"My responsibility and soul with Allah. I have lived my life according to syariah laws and the laws of the country," he told a press conference at the sidelines of the Umno general assembly in Kuala Lumpur.

This is the first time that Azhar has broken his silence following rumours that he had converted to Christianity.

The rumours gained momentum over the past weeks following the circulation of a false short messaging service (SMS) that he was going to lead a baptism ceremony for Muslims.

"My parents, siblings and family are Muslims. There should be no questions regarding my religious status. I did not try to leave Islam. I never even thought of doing so," he stressed.

Azhar was accompanied by the prime minister's religious advisor Abdul Hamid Othman at the press conference.

When asked to recite two ' kalimah syahadah ' (declarations of faith) to clear all doubts, he refused, saying this is not the time for him to be judged.

National security

Azhar said he is aware that his religious status has been in dispute since 1999 and the topic is widely discussed on the internet.

"Until now, however, I have paid no attention to this because I felt it was childish. But now it has reached a stage where it threatens national security.

"I have lodged a police report on this (the SMS). Let's wait for the results of the investigation," he added.

He also expressed regret that society judged a person's faith based on his or her clothes.

Azhar is the first Malaysian to sail around the world, and he did it in 104 days in 1999.

Meanwhile, Abdul Hamid Othman said it was unacceptable for any party to equate faith with his or her actions.

"Faith is one aspect, while action is another. If someone does not practice the teachings of Islam, that is a different story. Islam is still with him," he added.

Abdullah pleased

Umno president and Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, in his closing speech at the party's annual assembly, also mentioned that he was pleased with Azhar's clarification.

Azhar was in the assembly hall when Abdullah was making his speech.

Referring to him as the hero of the Malay race, Abdullah said: "I hope we can now put this matter to rest".