KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia has received much attention from other Islamic countries for its efforts in upholding Islam despite being a multi-religious nation, Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki said on Friday.
He said the country is an example in the Muslim world, especially since it is not modelled after more conservative nations such as Saudi Arabia and Pakistan.
"Although Article 3 of the (Malaysian) Federal Constitution clearly states that Islam is the religion of the Federation, other religions can be practiced in peace and harmony.
"This principle of coexistence, which the government has long upheld, has drawn the notice of leaders of many Islamic countries, including Saudi Arabia's King Salman Abdulaziz Al-Saud, who had chosen Malaysia to kick off his regional tour last March," Asyraf said during the National Undergraduates Leadership Conference (Pemanas 5.0) here on Friday.
King Salman's visit saw Malaysia and Saudi Arabia agreeing to establish the King Salman Centre for International Peace (KSCIP), which aims to focus on combating extreme narratives among Muslims.
Asyraf said that he had personally asked King Salman's representative why Malaysia was chosen as the location for the KSCIP.
"He said Malaysia is the face of true Islam. (It) promotes peace, the wasatiyyah concept and moderation.
"King Salman's representative said all these are not available in their (own) country," Asyraf said.
He added that the development of a moderate Islam in Malaysia has been made possible by Barisan Nasional, led by Umno.
"For example, the government allocated RM1.03 billion for Islamic development for next year’s budget," he said.
The six-day Pemanas 5.0 conference, attended by 350 participants, will feature more than 20 talks by senior ministers on economics, education, religion and politics.
The aim of the conference is to ensure that graduates understand the government's position on various issues.
The conference will be closed by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak at Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Shah Alam on Dec 3.