Say a firm resounding 'no' to extremism - Najib

The Prime Minister said there were too many instances where the name of Islam has been misused to justify atrocities committed, including children being murdered, women raped and schools destroyed.

"We must put an end to this. These atrocities are destroying the good name of Islam, justifying their heinous acts under the much abused concept of jihad.

"These atrocities have also destroyed the lives of many - the children who wish for nothing but love and care from their parents and to be educated like other children in other peaceful parts of the world, the adults who hope for nothing but to be able to earn a living for themselves and their loved ones," Najib said in his latest post on his blog, www.najibrazak.com.

The Prime Minister said he believed the path of moderation was never an option for any individual, whether in speech and conduct, but a requirement for success in life and a critical ingredient for Malaysia to become a modern and progressive nation.

Najib noted that the concept of moderation did not exist exclusively in the secular domain, in fact, he added, it was already rooted in the Quran "Thus we have made of you a community justly balanced of that you might be witnesses over the people and the Messenger (Prophet Muhammad) a witness over yourselves," he said, citing Surah al-Baqarah, 2:143.

He pointed out that the concept of moderation was not exclusive to the religion of Islam only, when it has already been stated as a value universal to all major religions.

"In Christianity, the Bible says "let your moderation be known unto all men"; and in Buddhism, disciples are taught to walk the middle way, to live a life of moderation and non-violence.

"Even in Judaism, the Torah teaches that moderation in all things is a "way of life" in the truest sense of Jewish customs," Najib said further.

As violence begot violence, Najib pointed out that persuasion, negotiation and cooperation were the only weapons to combat extremism.

"Silence can mean acquiescence. The burden is on us to ensure that the voice of reason is louder than ever, carrying the massed ranks of moderates everywhere. We must not be the silent majority.

"As a country, we have witnessed a great and long history of moderation in our governance; we gained independence without warfare; we restored our relations with Indonesia peacefully; we recovered from many tragic events," he said, adding that each was a significant moment for Malaysia, and all were gained through reasoned discussion and negotiations.

Najib said Malaysians should never breed or tolerate extremism whether in speech and conduct, and he, as the Prime Minister of Malaysia would never tolerate it.