Muslims should always uphold sanctity of the Quran - PM Najib

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said it was unfortunate that the holiness of this year's Ramadan month being tarnished by incidence of killings and terrorism involving Muslims and made in the name of Islam.

"This is certainly against the teachings of the Quran which is based on the principles of mercy, humanity and justice.

"If these things are allowed, certainly the image of this noble Quran will be affected and covered with negative perception," he said in his post on his blog at najibrazak.com in conjunction with the 1438H Nuzul al-Quran which falls tomorrow.

Through various policies and principles, including the Malaysian Syariah Index and the concept of "wasatiyyah" (moderation), as well as various incentives covering the main fields of human lives, Najib said he hoped that Islam would not be synonymous only with the negative things.

"Our country does not only emphasise material development, instead human capital development is also a priority and the actual yardstick behind the economic and social progress.

"All these are a manifestation of our understanding of the teachings of the Quran which promotes a balance between the world and the hereafter," he said.

Najib said Malaysia as a Muslim country which is committed and progressive always strive to carry out the teachings of the Quran so that they could be be appreciated and understood by Muslims in the country.

Citing the recent 59th international-level Quran recital assembly, he said it was proof of Malaysia's maturity and capability in assimilating the teachings of the Quran.