(Ahlul Bayt News Agency) - Former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad claimed Shia teachings should not be practised in this country as this could cause tension and divide its Muslim community.
Dr Mahathir, who is also the Perdana Global Peace Foundation chairman, claimed the existence of both Sunni and Shia practices in a country usually caused animosity among Muslims to the extent of tearing apart the community.
"I am not saying that they are wrong or we are wrong," he told reporters after an 'Evening Talk Programme with Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad', here, Tuesday.
He said religious interpretations should not be too different to the extent of causing bloodshed.
"We don't want to see this happening here," he said.
Dr Mahathir said Muslims in Malaysia had all this while been fortunate as they had all been practising Sunni teachings but now Shia teachings had spread among some.
"One day, they may quarrel, have separate mosques (for Sunnis and Shiites), and even kill each other. We don't want this to happen.
"If in Iran, they (Iranians) want to follow their religion (Shia), it's up to them but if they come here, please don't disturb us," he said.
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Dr Mahathir, who is also the Perdana Global Peace Foundation chairman, claimed the existence of both Sunni and Shia practices in a country usually caused animosity among Muslims to the extent of tearing apart the community.
"I am not saying that they are wrong or we are wrong," he told reporters after an 'Evening Talk Programme with Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad', here, Tuesday.
He said religious interpretations should not be too different to the extent of causing bloodshed.
"We don't want to see this happening here," he said.
Dr Mahathir said Muslims in Malaysia had all this while been fortunate as they had all been practising Sunni teachings but now Shia teachings had spread among some.
"One day, they may quarrel, have separate mosques (for Sunnis and Shiites), and even kill each other. We don't want this to happen.
"If in Iran, they (Iranians) want to follow their religion (Shia), it's up to them but if they come here, please don't disturb us," he said.
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