ANY act of terror should not be associated with any religion or race as terrorism knows neither race nor religion, said Dr Mujahid Yusof Rawa.

The minister in the Prime Minister’s Department told hundreds of rally goers that no religion in the world promotes terrorism and the world must be protected from any kind of terror act.

“The world must be defended from any act of terror. The tragedy in Christchurch was a shocking incident when there are so many movements in this world fighting to promote peace.

“The act of terror in New Zealand cannot be associated with any religion or any race in this world. Terrorism is not born from any religion, no race was born with hatred.

“Terrorism has no face. Therefore, our declaration today condemns any act of discrimination, violence and killing in the name of religion or ethnicity.

“We reject any act or culture based on hatred in the name of religion or ethnicity, we support all efforts to foster unity and peace among people of every religion and ethnicity.

“We are in solidarity with all people of the world to develop an environment of peace,” Mujahid declared at the rally.

The participants clad in white were joined by representatives from various faiths as well as diplomats, including New Zealand high commissioner-designate to Malaysia and Brunei, Hunter Nottage.

Later, Mujahid said the peace and solidarity rally is a proud moment.

“Today we saw that not only the Muslims, but every other religion in Malaysia is here in support for peace.

“Many have come out, not only the Malays and this shows that each one of us in this country wants peace and harmony. This is clear evidence to the world that we reject hatred, bigotry and racism.”

Mujahid also took the opportunity to thank Wellington.

“I just arrived from Christchurch this morning. Our Malaysian victims are recovering from the injuries.

“I would like to quote the imam of Christchurch who yesterday thanked Prime Minister Jacinda Arden, to thank New Zealand, and also to thank New Zealanders.”

Meanwhile, Federal Territories mufti Dr Zulkifli Mohamad al-Bakri, who also spoke during the solidarity event, urged the public to turn the tragedy in New Zealand into an opportunity to unite.

The prominent Islamic scholar informed the rally goers that peace is the essence of life.

“We dream of harmony and peace. Because this is what Islam taught us. It is told in the Quran. Peace is the essence in life.

“What happened in New Zealand should not happen again. We must turn the tragedy into a unity. To unite against terrorism regardless of our faith,” he said.

A police source later informed The Malaysian Insight that an estimated 600 people turned up at the rally. – March 23, 2019.