Malaysian Prime Minister Urges End to Interfaith Discussions

July 26, 2006

Source: The Star

http://thestar.com.my/news/nastory.asp?file=/2006/7/26/nation/14951573&sec=nation&focus=1

On July 26, 2006 The Star reported, "Article 11 forums to discuss inter-faith issues must stop immediately because they are deemed to cause tension in our multi-religious society, Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said.  The Prime Minister said the Umno supreme council had expressed its utmost concern over inter-faith issues that were being debated by Article 11, an umbrella body of 13 non-governmental organisations, through forums on Article 11 of the Federal Constitution.  'If the discussions are not kept in check or contained, they are bound to raise tension in our multi-religious society. Religious issues are even more sensitive than ethnic issues,' he told reporters after chairing the Umno supreme council meeting here yesterday.  Abdullah, who is the party president, said the Government had made the decision to urge all parties concerned to end discussions on the formation of the inter-faith commission (IFC).  'If possible such discussions should not be carried out at all. It has passed the stage where it is worrying all of us. The Government will monitor the situation and developments,' said Abdullah, who is also the Internal Security Minister."