Dr Mahathir Calls for more China-Malaysia Islamic Expos to Promote Understanding

KUALA LUMPUR - Former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has expressed hopes that more China-Malaysia Islamic exhibitions would be held to promote better understanding between Muslims and non-Muslims.

He said such exhibitions could be an eye-opener for the people to learn and appreciate each other cultural and religious values.

"There is a lot of misunderstanding between people of different religions," he said adding that this was unfortunate as all religions espouse friendship and understanding between people of different faiths.

Speaking at the breaking of fast in conjunction with the China-Malaysia Islamic Culture Expo 2014 here today, he urged Malaysians to respect and be sensitive to one another values as it would enhance peace, harmony and unity.

Present were his wife, Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Tan Sri Joseph Kurup, Chinese Ambassador to Malaysia Dr Huang Huikang, and Cheng-Ho Multi Cultural Education Trust founder Tan Sri Lee Kim Yew.

Expressing his admiration towards Muslims in China, he hoped Muslims in Malaysia would continue to strengthen Islamic values.

"Muslims in China have lived through different ages with rulers who didn't understand Islam. But Alhamdulillah, they continue to maintain their faith and they don't seek revenge against people who have oppressed them," he said.