'Islamophobia' born out of misunderstanding of Islam - Najib

Islamophobia in the West arose from a misunderstanding of the true teachings of Islam which have been misinterpreted by some, Datuk Seri Najib Razak said tonight.

The Prime Minister said from a certain viewpoint, the blame should be laid on a handful of Muslims themselves who portrayed a wrong picture of Islam.

These people included the suicide bombers, Daish militants and those who spread the ideology of extremism, he said.

"As such, Malaysia strongly condemns the recent brutal terror attacks in countries such as Indonesia, Belgium, France, Turkey and Bangladesh," he said in his message in conjunction with Aidilfitri which Muslims in the country celebrate on Wednesday.

The latest suicide bomber attacks took place in three Saudi Arabian cities, namely Madinah, Qatif and Jeddah.

Najib emphasised that the government would constantly monitor to ensure that ideologies, teachings or practices which deviated from the true Islamic teachings did not proliferate in the country.

In his message, the Prime Minister also touched on peace, unity, the country's economic situation and the tireless efforts of the Barisan Nasional in propelling national growth and championing the well-being of the people.

On peace, he expressed admiration for the services and sacrifices of the security forces personnel serving all over the country, including in the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (ESSZone).

Najib expressed sympathy for Muslims in the turbulent Middle East, and said it had driven Kuala Lumpur to commit to accepting 3,000 Syrian migrants over a period of three years.

"Malaysia will remain steadfast in championing and fighting for the oppressed around the world as much as it possibly can, such as the aid extended to the people of Palestine and the Rohingya refugees," he said.

On unity, the Prime Minister said it had been highlighted by the plural society in Malaysia, so much so that it had become a vital pillar and important asset for shaping the progress of the nation.

He said unity in diversity was reflected in the Malaysian uniqueness of society as a whole celebrating six major festivals in the federal calendar.

"Nevertheless, we are saddened when certain irresponsible quarters resort to incitement, in the name of politics or whatever, that can undermine the unity and harmony that have existed for so long," he said.

On the country's economy, he said several positive developments as well as recognition by competent agencies overseas portrayed a strong Malaysian economy on the right and healthy track towards moulding the country into a high-income advanced economy.

"Lately, even when faced with global economic uncertainty, our country's GDP recorded a growth of 4.2 percent in the first quarter of this year," he said.

Najib expressed gratitude for the people's continued support of the BN, as was reflected in the recent Sarawak state election and the parliamentary by-elections in Sungai Besar and Kuala Kangsar.

"This is the right way for the people to elect a government legally in a democratic country like Malaysia instead of indiscriminately calling for a referendum or declaration that is constitutionally invalid," he said.

The Prime Minister said the government would continue to address the grievances of the people, particularly with regard to their welfare and cost of living.

Najib noted that many projects had been implemented for the well-being of the people, such as the affordable housing initiative, Pan Borneo Highway and the Ampang and Kelana Jaya LRT extension.

Extending Aidilfitri greetings to the nation, he concluded his message by asking the people to be open-minded and open wide the window of kinship, friendship and solidarity as well as the 1Malaysia bond of camaraderie.