Religion still a sensitive issue in Malaysia: PM - AFP

Malaysia's premier admitted Sunday that religion continues to be a sensitive issue in the multicultural nation but said he hoped that conflicts could continue to be resolved peacefully.

"Malaysia is fortunate as the people of various races and religions in the country can live in peace and harmony all this while," Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said.

"The constitution guarantees the freedom to practise any faith although Islam remains as the official religion," Abdullah said in the statement ahead of the Buddhist Wesak Day celebrations on Monday.

"Realising the fact that religious issues are still a sensitive topic, the government has engaged... with various religious groups in the country to better understand their needs while strengthening ties," he added.

"I really hope through this, we can resolve conflicts or problems peacefully and amicably," he added.

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