PATTANI (Thailand): Perlis Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim has called on Thai Muslims to adhere to the true teachings of Islam and not be influenced by certain quarters out to incite acrimony among fellow Muslims.
He said in a world where terrorism was linked to the Islamic faith, it was the duty of every Muslim to change such perceptions by upholding the virtues and practices imparted through the Quran.
Praising the Thai Muslims here for their devotion to Islam and their emphasis on close ties with Malaysia, Shahidan said Islam was a religion of peace and so it was important to retain such understanding.
He said this on Friday after presenting aid to the Muslims in conjunction with the Hari Raya celebration.
Shahidan led a convoy of 11 vehicles comprising state government officers, local media and Thai religious scholars on the 190km trip to present aid to the poor, orphans and single mothers in Thailand’s southernmost province.
Later, in an interview with Thai ITV, Shahidan said he was there to give RM10,000 to a religious school and RM5,000 to a mosque.
He also presented RM50 each to 100 orphans and RM30 each to 50 single mothers and 50 poor Thai Muslims.
Shahidan said he felt obliged to help needy Muslims during this festive period. The funds were from his family’s Pok and Kassim Foundation, a welfare organisation.
Almost 90% of the population in Pattani are Muslims. .
