Najib: Malaysia does not tolerate religious provocation

Malaysia will not allow religious provocation or any threatening act or insults of any religion to take place even in the name of freedom of expression, said Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

The Prime Minister reiterated that freedom had its limitation and that authorities would continue to take action against those attempting to stir religious conflict in the country.

"Mutual respect among the various races is a basic principle that we need to practise to ensure national harmony is maintained," he said in his message aired over local radio, Friday.

Najib said Malaysia strongly condemned the terrorist attacks in several locations around the world such as in Paris and Sydney recently.

"In the 'Charlie Hebdo' context, we completely avoid such attacks, nevertheless at the same time, it is pointless to accept such actions of provocation against other religions," Najib said, referring to last week's incident which saw an attack on the office of the French satirical newspaper in Paris that resulted in the deaths of 12 people.

The newspaper had published provocative cartoons that were seen as insulting to Muslims.
Drawing attention to the White Paper on terror, tabled in Parliament in November last year, Najib added that the Government was committed to safeguarding Malaysia from militant threats.