Malaysian PM warns about extremist elements

His remarks came in the backdrop of protests by ethnic Indians protesting alleged marginalisation and demolition of their places of worship in the Muslim-majority nation.

8220;I8217;m really concerned when issues involving religion are brought up from time to time,8221; he told a gathering at a Christmas event without naming any community. 8220;If moderates don8217;t take centre stage, surely extremist elements will occupy it, making us fall for their extremist approach being touted as a religious or national approach,8221; he was quoted as saying by the Bernama news agency.

He said, 8220;bigger problems would crop up if unscrupulous people continued to peddle their extremist views.8221;

The Prime Minister said to deal with the issue, Malaysians should manifest a high level of understanding, tolerance and respect for each other which have been the hallmarks of the multiethnic Malaysian society all this while.

8220;We do have a big responsibility to shoulder as we need to ensure that our country remains safe and peaceful for our own mutual benefit,8221; he said.

Malaysia on Monday launched a major plan to protect the Hindu temples in the country, in a move to assuage the feelings of the ethnic Indians.