THE Prime Minister, General Khin Nyunt, has called on the nation’s Muslims to cooperate with the government in its efforts to maintain peace and tranquility.

General Khin Nyunt made the call in a congratulatory message read on his behalf at the opening of the 15th Myanmar Islamic Conference at the Thanlyin mosque on April 24.

In the message, read by Dr Myo Myint, the director general of the Religious Affairs Department, Ministry of Religious Affairs, General Khin Nyunt said that the nation’s Muslims practice their religion in accordance with Myanmar culture and are always trying to maintain the unity of the state.

The Prime Minister also said in his message that the major world religions, including Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, share a common principle of requiring their believers to behave well.

The conference was chaired by the president of the Islamic Council, U Ba Htay.
He said the council’s two objectives were for members of the Islamic community to be good Muslims and good citizens.

“To be a good citizen means to value and maintain the national identity, culture and customs. It also means that Muslims in Myanmar must be loyal to the state and must be always proactive to protect the state,” U Ba Htay said.

He said the style of dress used by some Muslims was causing concern because it threatened the unity and friendship between those who followed Islam and believers of other faiths.

“We strongly advise Myanmar Muslims, particularly women, to wear Myanmar national dress and we believe this will contribute towards national unity,” he said.
More than 600 delegates from throughout the country attended the conference, which is held by the council every four years.