Islamic leader asks end to violence

Yala

On a visit to the South, the secretary general of the Muslim World League called on Muslims in the restive region to reject all forms of violence.

Saudi-based Abdullah bin Abdul Mohsin Al-Turki delivered a speech on "Muslim duties in a multicultural society" at the Pattani campus of Yala Islamic University.

He called on local Muslims not to get involved in any kind of anti-governmental or anti-social behaviour

Dr Abdullah advised his listeners to maintain a balance between observing Muslim values, keeping their Muslim identity and living within multicultural societies - such as in Thailand - with understanding.

Yala Islamic University, founded by funds mostly from Saudi Arabia presented the MWL secretary general with an honorary doctorate degree in Islamic law because he has played a pivotal role in expressing his thinking in regard to contemporary Muslim issues. He has also assisted Muslims around the world in his humanitarian missions.

Dr Abdullah also travelled to the central mosques in Pattani and Yala to meet with religious leaders and local Muslim residents.

In his message Dr Abdullah told them that under such complicated circumstances, religious leaders must use their utmost capability to find the best way to build positive connections in a multicultural society, through their wisdom and affability.

He met the governor of Yala and local religious leaders on Wednesday to discuss the ongoing violence in the three southern border provinces and to get first hand experience.

The secretary general arrived in Thailand Monday as an official guest of the Thai government, and on Thursday is staying in Pattani.