Malaysia observes freedom anniversary

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, Aug. 31 (UPI) -- Multi-ethnic Malaysia observed its 50th year of freedom with much pomp Friday but the rise of conservative Islam in recent years is becoming a worry.

The country’s secular constitution is coming under increasing challenge from Sharia courts, raising fears among ethnic minorities such as the Chinese and Indians, who together comprise about 35 percent of the population of the largely Muslim country -- which gained independence from Britain Aug. 31, 1957.

Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi praised the progress in the past five decades that has made Malaysia a major Asian economic force, but also stressed the need to preserve unity and avoid religious extremism, the Bernama news agency reported.

"We should also prevent injustices that could lead to doubts and concerns over the future of any of our citizens," he said.

Among the foreign dignitaries at the observance were the Sultan of Brunei, Britain’s Prince Andrew, Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, Australian Governor-General Michael Jeffery and prime ministers of Thailand, Singapore, Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam, Bernama reported.