Malaysian Prime Minister Dr. Mahathir Mohamad called on Muslims in the country that they must remain united to reach a consensus and avoid disputes and hostility.

In his speech at the 57th General Annual Meeting of the National Malaysian Islamic Welfare Association (PERKIM) here on Saturday, Mahathir said merely because of slight differences, Muslims practicing the same religion and Islamic belief should not go to the extent of hating each other.

A consensus happens when something gets 100 percent agreement from all parties, but that is something impossible," he said, adding: Hence the other way is to take a majority decision and what is decided by the majority must be accepted with an open heart by the minority without any hue and cry,

In that way, Mahathir said, the Muslim community could move simultaneously as one with mutual respect and love such as enshrined in the Qur'an.

He said it could enable organizations and countries led by Muslims to run smoothly and the government would bring good and prosperity to the people.

Meanwhile, Mahathir, who is also PERKIM president, hoped the organization would continue to carry out its responsibility to explain the true teachings of Islam to the people, including non-Muslims. He said the noble effort, if maintained, was likely to restore the excellence of the Islamic civilization as before.

Source: International Islamic News Agency