False news, lies on flood tragedy despicable - Muhyiddin

The Deputy Prime Minister said not only was such actions against Islamic teachings, it also did not reflect on good Muslim character as it could evoke feelings of hatred among Muslims.

"These fabricated stories are malicious and cause anxiety and restlessness among the people," he said when officiating the national-level Maulidur Rasul (Prophet Muhammad's birthday) celebration at the Putra Mosque here.

The celebration themed 'Perpaduan Nadi Transformasi Negara' (Unity, the Pulse of National Transformation) was also attended by his wife, Puan Sri Noorainee Abdul Rahman, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Jamil Khir Baharom, cabinet ministers and foreign dignitaries.

Muhyiddin also urged the people not to fall for news on social media that were not from credible sources.

He said from his observation, however, there are still many people who sympathised with flood victims.

"They have extended all kinds of aid, be it material, financial or their energy to help people affected by the floods.

"This is the kind of attitude practised by people of various races and religions in Malaysia that we commend," he said.

Meanwhile, Muhyiddin called on Muslims in Malaysia to always work towards strengthening and increasing understanding on the Ahli Sunnah Wal Jamaah (Shafie sect) as well as stay away from extremist and deviant teachings.

He said the approach of moderation should continue to be defended to avoid elements which could destroy harmony and unity.

Muhyiddin also emphasised that Muslims cannot allow confusion in faith and thought result in actions which could threaten unity and public security.

"I believe that division among the people and extremism can be tackled if Muslims go back to Islamic teachings in the Quran and Hadith ," he said.

At the event, National Mosque Grand Imam Tan Sri Syaikh Ismail Muhammad received the 'Tokoh Perdana Anugerah Maulidur Rasul' 2015 award which was presented by Muhyiddin. Syaikh Ismail received RM50,000, certificate and accompanying prizes.

Besides him, eight other individuals were presented the Maulidur Rasul awards and they took home RM20,000, a plaque, certificate and accompanying prizes.

The celebration began with a parade made up of 149 contingents involving 12,325 participants from 68 government departments, 33 statutory bodies, 13 private companies, 10 uniformed bodies, four schools, six universities and six non-governmental organisations.