BUKIT MERTAJAM: Peace is crucial if Malaysia is to continue building and developing the country, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The Prime Minister said stability and harmony would allow the nation to focus on development, including building institutions such as mosques and schools, and the construction of these is a shared responsibility involving the government, state authorities and the wider community.
“A mosque is not just a building. It must become the foundation and a base to uplift society through knowledge and perseverance,” he said before officiating the new Masjid Mengkuang Titi here on Saturday (March 7).
Anwar added that ignorance and shallow understanding were among the main causes of confusion and division in society.
“Sometimes we form opinions or make decisions without the basis of knowledge, whether in religion, society or politics.
"Without the tradition of knowledge, people become easily influenced, and divisions emerge,” he said.
In his speech, Anwar also commended the mosque committee for encouraging youth participation and said the government was working with the youth, religious affairs and education ministries to strengthen programmes that would bring young people closer to mosques.
Amid conflicts in the Middle East, Anwar said Malaysia should be grateful for its peace and stability, especially at a time when conflicts were affecting many parts of the Muslim world.
He said he had recently spoken with several leaders, including those from Qatar, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates, to express concern over divisions within the Muslim world.
“We must be thankful that Malaysia remains peaceful.
"We still have challenges, but we can address them because the country is stable,” he said.
In a separate incident, Anwar raised concerns involving a small group of youths allegedly influenced by extremist propaganda linked to the Islamic State.
He said this highlighted the need to strengthen education and awareness among the younger generation so they would not be easily influenced by extremist ideas.
“Without knowledge and proper guidance, it is easy for outside influences to mislead our youth,” he said.
The government had allocated RM5.4mil to support the construction of the mosque in Mengkuant Titi, which cost RM9mil in total and can accommodate up to 1,800 people.
Also present at the ceremony was Penang Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Mohamad Abdul Hamid, who is also president of the Penang State Islamic Religious Council (MAINPP).
