MALAYSIA'S ANWAR OFFERED U.S SOME INSIGHT ON MUSLIM SUCCESS
WASHINGTON — Malaysian opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim offered some insight for the United States on dealing with the Muslim world: highlight successes, fund education, and do not fear openly debating radicals.
Source: AFP
- But Anwar said that Muslim nations must also initiate reforms in response to US President Barack Obama’s landmark June 4 speech in Cairo extending a hand to the Islamic world.
- “Reform and democracy are critical to the Muslim world,” Anwar, whose opposition alliance posted its best-ever performance last year, said at the Brookings Institution on Tuesday, a Washington think-tank.
- US officials should highlight the positives in the Muslim world, Anwar said.
- He pointed to progress in Muslim-majority democracies such as Indonesia and Turkey and said the West largely ignored the wide condemnation by even the most conservative Muslim clerics of July suicide bombings at Jakarta luxury hotels.
- The West should also be careful with labeling Muslims, he said.
- “I pray, I fast, I don’t drink… am I a fundamentalist? I don’t know,” Anwar said.
- He said that aspects of Islamic Sharia law can be tolerated as long as they do not curtail human rights or discriminate against women.
- Anwar said media coverage focused on radicals’ actions only encouraged them. Instead, they should be allowed to speak, he said.
- “You deal with them through education and a free media,” he said. “My honest view is that the fringe, fanatical elements cannot stand to reason.”
- As for the US role, Anwar said an investment in training math, English and computer science teachers could have tremendous influence in places like Pakistan in quieting the more radical voices.
- The US Congress last week approved a five-year, 7.5 billion-dollar aid package for Pakistan, a frontline nation in Obama’s campaign against Islamic extremism.
- Anwar’s three-party alliance, which brings aboard conservative Muslims and liberal Chinese, won a third of parliamentary seats last year and is vying to unseat the Barisan Nasional coalition that has ruled Malaysia for half a century.
- Anwar was sacked as deputy premier in 1998 and jailed for six years on sodomy and corruption charges after he challenged veteran ruler Mahathir Mohamad. The charges were overturned, but revived following the last election.
- A 2008 survey found just 11 percent of Malaysians believed the sodomy accusations.
ANWAR CONGRATULATED OBAMA
KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYISA:What started as an improbable dream and an audacious hope is now a reality. Barack Obama’s decisive victory signals a new chapter in the history of America. His call for unity and his promise to forge a new direction in the relationship between the United States and the rest of the world is welcomed by Malaysians.The support that President-elect Obama draws from across racial, religious and generational lines parallels the sentiments felt by Malaysians from all walks of life who earlier this year cast votes in vehement opposition to the failed policies of an incumbent regime.
His connection to the region and his empathy for the developing world, particularly Asia and Africa, give optimism and hope for greater cooperation and compassion, especially during this period of economic uncertainty.
Nations which have been at odds with the United States may now find opportunities to cooperate on issues of foreign policy, sustainable development and the environment.His administration also brings renewed prospects for engagement between the United States and Muslim countries.
Some of the most contentious issues of our time including the ongoing conflicts and confrontations in the Middle East require a commitment to diplomacy, a willingness to engage in a meaningful dialogue and a departure from the aggressive unilateralism witnessed in recent years.
In this we anticipate that President-elect Obama will show leadership where previous administrations have failed.Leaders are judged by the substance and execution of their policies and not the symbolism of their campaigns. We congratulate President-elect Obama and his Vice President-elect Joseph Biden on this auspicious occasion and wish them well in the movement for change and reform.
ANWAR IBRAHIM - Malaysian Opposition Chief
VISITORS GEOFLAGS SINCE AUGUST 26, 2009
