Renounce corruption and discard abuse of power, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Mizan Zainal Abidin told those in government circles today.

In a speech at the Putra Stadium in Bukit Jalil to commemorate the birth of Prophet Muhammad, Mizan called on those holding the trust of government to honour the mandate placed on them by the people.

He also said Islam taught and emphasised on the need to develop self-resilience, trust and transparency when discharging one's duty, according to a Bernama report.

These were among the values held by the Companions who succeeded the Prophet's rule, said Mizan.

Present at the celebration were Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, his deputy Najib Razak, and other Muslim ministers.

Prophet forged good ties

Mizan also called on Muslims generally to unite while living harmoniously with people of other faiths.

"In the early age of Islam, the Prophet had forged good relations with the Jews and Christians and sealed treaties with non-Muslim governments.

"In the message delivered to them, (the Prophet) expounded the goodness of Islam hence they accepted the fact that differences in religious beliefs and faiths were not a hindrance to harmonious living," the king said.

About 12,000 people participated in the parade that took place earlier at the Bukit Jalil National Sports Complex.