KUALA LUMPUR: The government has established a special committee to coordinate fundraising efforts to print and distribute a million Quran worldwide, said Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar.

He said the committee was headed by the Islamic Development Department of Malaysia (JAKIM).

"This effort requires coordination to fulfill the aspiration expressed by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to print a million copies of the Quran to be distributed worldwide," he said when met after the launch of the Malaysian Islamic Economic Development Foundation (YaPEIM) Local Community Development Plan at the Kampung Bharu Jamek Mosque here today.

Last Jan 28, the prime minister expressed his wish for Malaysia to print and distribute one million copies of the Quran worldwide in response to the burning of the holy book in Sweden.

Commenting on the advice by the Federal Territories Mufti to the Muslim community regarding the Thaipusam celebration, Mohd Na'im said it was aimed at preventing Muslims from participating in any religious rituals held during the celebration.


"It does not mean that Muslims cannot be with non-Muslims. We encourage the spirit of unity," he said.

Regarding the YaPEIM Local Community Development Plan, Mohd Na'im said its objective was to improve the socioeconomic status of the local community, their income and sustainability of life.

Also present were YaPEIM Board of Trustees chairman Datuk Mohd Radzif Mohd Yunus, Titiwangsa Member of Parliament Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani and Jamek Kampung Bharu chairman Datuk Mohd Khay Ibrahim.

-- BERNAMA