M'sia must step up its leadership in Muslim world, says Kofi Annan
KUALA LUMPUR (July 13, 2007): Malaysia, with its multi-ethnicity and moderate approaches, must strengthen its leadership in the the Muslim World to bridge the gap between Muslims and the West, former United Nation secretary-general Kofi Annan said. He said Malaysia is a shining example of a progressive and prosperous Muslim nation despite the mistrust and confrontation by certain quarters towards the Muslim world.
"It (Malaysia) is a leader in the Muslim world and yet I detect a reticence to invoke this convening power. You should not be afraid to do so, for you will find an eager audience. The world is looking for new voices of moderation and reason, don't wait to be asked."
Annan, who hails from Ghana, said this in his address at the Khazanah Merdeka series of lectures here last night launched by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.
Also present were the Prime Minister's wife Datin Seri Jeanne Abdullah, Malaysia's former permanent representative to the UN Tan Sri Razali Ismail, Second Finance Minister Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yakcop, Khazanah Nasional managing director Datuk Azman Mokhtar and about 800 guests.
Annan said closer proximity and improved communication as a result of globalisation had often led not to mutual understanding and friendship but to mutual mistrust.
He said many people in the world, particularly in the Muslim World, saw the West as a threat to their values and beliefs.
Likewise, the West dismissed Islam as a religion of extremism and violence despite the history between the two, Bernama reported.
"It is vital that we overcome these resentments, and establish relations of trust between communities.
Malaysia can help do this by showing a very different face to the world, one where differing people of different faiths coexist peacefully," he said.
He also praised the Islam Hadhari concept promoted by Abdullah which is aimed at striking a healthy balance between religious dogma and mastery of knowledge needed to tackle modern global challenges.
The Sun
