KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 19 — Economic alienation between people of different religions and cultures is the root cause of extremism and fanaticism in the world today, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said today.

The deputy prime minister stressed that moderation and political inclusiveness was the only way to promote understanding between different faiths, and that different religions could co-exist in harmony.

“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 when closing the Global Movement of Moderates conference here.

Touting Malaysia as an example of a “moderate” nation, the Umno deputy president said that the government actively encouraged involvement of civil society and religious communities in promoting understanding through the Committee on Inter-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,” Muhyiddin (picture) added.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s efforts in liberalising the economy and providing a more level playing field for all races has been met with strong opposition from pro-Malay rights groups as well as leaders from within his own party Umno.

Non-Muslim groups have also voiced their dissatisfaction, with a Christian leader saying last month that too much emphasis was focused on the rights of the racial majority in the country instead of balancing the needs of all races.