Extremists have no place in Malaysian society - Khairy

Malaysia's Youth and Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin has denounced political and religious extremists in Malaysia, saying they did not belong "in our society".

Addressing more than 800 Malaysian university students who had come from all parts of Australia to attend the Second Malaysian Summit of Australia (Masa) here, he pleaded with them to take the middle path.

Advising them to engage a common or central narrative for the good of the nation, he urged the students to follow the spirit of Rukun Negara (Principles which Guide and Govern Malaysia) to survive and thrive in a modern world.

"Without the liberal approach spoken in the Rukun Negara, which in spirit reflects the progressive and moderate political philosophy of the Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak administration, we risk being held hostage to forces of extremism in our own political system at home.

"These extremists, whether they cause religious fanaticism or ethnic chauvinism, are the very forces that seek to divide us as a people.

"They exist everywhere, on both sides of our political divide, and in the middle of the fence, as well," noted Khairy.

He said the prime minister (Najib) was determined to defeat these forces of evil and find a common narrative that would prevail and prevent the nation from being torn apart.

"Without justice, liberty and commitment to the well-being of every Malaysian, there will be those who feel oppressed or marginalised, whether it will be political oppression or economic marginalisation, that feeling can quickly turn into a combustible mix of anger and rebellion and fuel the flames of instability, something a relatively young democracy and economy like Malaysia can ill-afford," he added.

The minister said it was important for Malaysians to secure the centre, the middle, the moderate and progressive path.

"To me, it's the only choice for Malaysia. I have to face acquisitions of political treason, from the right of my party, but I persevere as does the prime minister, because we believe that we must never waver in our cause," he said.

Khairy asked the students to keep an open mind. "Young Malaysians should keep their options open and not rushed to believe one side or another.

"The beauty of being a student is that you should expose your mind to a multitude of thinking and ideologies," he said.

Other speakers included Datin Paduka Marina Mahathir, Tricia Yeoh of Ideas and Syed Ibrahim Syed Noh of Ikram.

The speakers shared their perspectives of Malaysia's progress in achieving Vision 2020.

The Malaysian Consul-General here, Dr Datuk Mohd Rameez Yahaya described Khairy's speech as inspiring, balanced and well-received by the students.

Mohd Rameez will close the summit tomorrow evening when top Malaysian students in Australia are presented with awards.