KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysia is recognised as the best example in the world in promoting peaceful living among people of various races and religions, said Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Zambry Abd Kadir.
Zambry, who is currently on an official visit to Saudi Arabia until February 23, said this was shared with him by Muslim World League (Rabitah al-Alam al-Islami) secretary-general Sheikh Dr Mohammed Al-Issa in a meeting held on the first day of his visit to the country on Sunday.
In the meeting, the two leaders exchanged views on current issues involving Muslims in all corners of the world, especially regarding the rise of anti-Islamic sentiments in some places lately, said Zambry.
“He also considers Malaysia to be an exemplary country in creating understanding between civilisations.
“We agree that the issue of Islamophobia should be tackled together using a dialogical approach, good communication, and the principle of coexistence.
“Wiser and more prudent measures will be carried out via conferences and dialogues continuously,” he said in a statement.
Zambry said the nation will work on a moderate Islamic approach, mutual respect, and ta’ayush (co-existence) to deal with the Islamophobic movement.
Malaysia and Rabitah will work together to correct the notion of extremism and terrorism that damage the religion’s image and destroy Muslim countries, via joint efforts to promote a moderate, tolerant, and peaceful Islam, he said.
Meanwhile, Zambry also met with Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) secretary-general Hissein Brahim Taha.
Both of them were of the view that member countries should strive to help rebuild and reconstruct Muslim countries that have faced wars such as Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, and Libya.
“The United States and Europe as well as other major powers need to work together with the OIC for the reconstruction of the countries involved through humanitarian aid without using sanctions.
“But in the context of Afghanistan, Malaysia insists that the policy of discrimination against women’s education must be immediately eliminated,” said Zambry.
Zambry and Taha also discussed the position of the Rohingya refugees, with both sides emphasising the importance of this issue being resolved in cooperation between Asean, the United Nations, and relevant countries.
“We also agree to continue fighting for the Palestinian issue. Collectively, we condemn Israel’s apartheid policy that continues to oppress the Palestinian people,” he said.
In the meeting, Taha welcomed the appointment of Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim as the 10th prime minister of Malaysia which he said would help strengthen the OIC's role among member countries.
In the meantime, Zambry said Malaysia also suggested that the socio-economic reconstruction approach of poor and post-war countries could be implemented through the Islamic economic and financial system, including using zakat and waqaf institutions to help rebuild the countries involved.
“Malaysia’s experience in the Islamic financial system and microcredit can contribute to efforts for social mobilisation in addition to enhancing their economic capabilities in the post-war period.
“The OIC agreed for Malaysia to lead these efforts,” said Zambry.
The OIC also suggested that a policy paper be presented by Malaysia to be highlighted in a meeting with OIC foreign ministers in the future.
Zambry emphasised that the OIC’s support was very important to find a holistic and sustainable solution for the universal prosperity of Muslim countries. – Bernama, February 21, 2023
