Bid to undermine Islam Hadhari won’t shake government says Abdullah

KEPALA BATAS: Attempts by a political party to undermine Islam Hadhari will not shake the government of the day, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi. 

He said the Cabinet ministers had not objected to the concept aimed at promoting justice and equality for all. 

Abdullah was elaborating on remarks made in his speech that certain groups were unhappy and felt threatened by the Islam Hadhari concept. 

“The level of acceptance among MCA and other Barisan coalition party leaders is good,” he said after launching a three-day national-level Hadhari Village programme at Dewan Milenium here yesterday. 

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah AhmadBadawi officially opened the mosque yesterday

He said it was pertinent for the people to accept the concept without prejudice to avoid religious conflict. 

“Our target is now to implement a balanced development. We do not want any area to be left out. What is important is fair socio-economic development,” he said. 

Abdullah said the Islam Hadhari concept was also internationally recognised. 

Earlier in Penang, Abdullah called on religious authorities to use mosques as a venue for intellectual discourse. 

Speaking after opening the RM15mil floating mosque in Tanjung Bungah yesterday, he said Muslims must enhance their knowledge to appreciate the beauty of Islam. 

The prime minister said mosques must be used as a venue to unite the people, and not to divide them. 

The floating mosque can accommodate 1,500 people. It was opened to the public in January 2005.  

Penang’s newest attraction, a mosque by the sea which willlook like it is floating during high tide, stands majestically inTanjung Bungah. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah AhmadBadawi officially opened the mosque yesterday.