Speaking at the opening ceremony of the national Quran recital contest, he said there should be an attitude of acceptance and mutual respect for the various religions and cultures practised in the country.
He said the diversity of cultures and customs in Malaysia was a unique characteristic that should be celebrated, thus creating a peaceful and prosperous society.
“Any culture that is not against the Islamic faith can be accepted without any stigma and discrimination,” he said, adding that tasamuh was the main basis of uniting a multi-religious and multicultural society.
He also urged Muslims to benefit from technological advances that allowed them to easily read the Quran or listen to readings of the Quran.
Johor menteri besar Onn Hafiz Ghazi said the state had embraced a comprehensive approach to Islamic teachings which covers all aspects, including administration and education.
He said Islamic values were also nurtured consistently through various Quran-related programmes organised by the state government over the years.
“Johor is not regressive when it comes to defending Islam,” he said.
The Quran recital competition resumes after a two-year hiatus because of Covid-19 restrictions. The six-day event which began today features 110 participants, with 29 people in the recitation competition, and 81 in the memorisation contest.
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