Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin today called for economic alienation in society to be addressed as a means to counter extremism.

Similarly, he said, political exclusion and social deprivation are also root causes of extremism which must be dealt with.

“We need to replace economic alienation with equitable distribution of wealth, we need to end political exclusion by promoting political inclusiveness, we need to eliminate social deprivation by upholding social justice and respect for human dignity,” he said.

Delivering his closing speech at the Global Movement of Moderates International Conference in Kuala Lumpur this afternoon, Muhyiddin said these elements have led to hatred and enmity between people of different religions and cultures.

The comments comes as a backdrop to Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak’s efforts to reform the country’s race-based economy policies to a merit-based one.

In recent years, Najib has announced the liberalisation of several sub-sectors and the dismantling of bumiputera quota requirements for businesses.

‘Religious communities must work for peace’

Likewise, in the religious sphere, Muhyiddin said Malaysia has practiced moderation to maintain religious harmony.

“I must say that our success as a nation depends on the willingness of the moderates from all religions and cultures to set aside differences and work for a common goal in perpetuating peace, harmony and prosperity for our people.

“Only by rejecting extremism and embracing moderation will we be able to treat others with dignity, accept our differences and live with each other in peace and harmony,” he told some 200 international delegates.

In December last year, National Evangelical Christian Fellowship (NECF) head Reverend Eu Hong Seng had complained of minority bullying in the country.

During a Christmas eve luncheon, he had also taken a sarcastic swipe at a recent church raid, stating that the gathering was a testament that “we can come together to respect each other beliefs... without fear of being raided”.

Muhyiddin had then responded to the remarks by stating that there should not be debates on the matter as they would stir discontent.