Respect cultural diversity, says Najib - NST

KUALA LUMPUR: Cultural difference is "an accident of birth" and should never be the source of hatred or conflict.

Quoting Nobel Peace Laureate John Hume, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said that the answer to the difference was to respect the different cultures in order to attain peace.

"It is very disheartening to see that the misunderstanding of ideology and culture has led to tension among people and countries, which end in riots or unrest.

"This threatens and undermines peace and stability."

Najib added that diversity was the hardest thing for a society to live with.

"Culture, arts and heritage are the intertwining anchors of a civilisation that underscores every facet of a nation's existence.

"It is the foundation of a nation and shapes the character of its people," he said in his speech at the third Asem Culture Ministers Meeting dinner at the Craft Complex in Jalan Conlay, last night.

[More at http://www.nst.com.my/Wednesday/National/2221295/Article/index_html]