Malaysia recognised as exemplary and best country

SHAH ALAM - Malaysia is recognised as an exemplary and the best country in the world for promoting a culture of peaceful living despite having a multireligious and multicultural society.

This was conveyed after Foreign Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Zambry Abdul Kadir met with Muslim World League secretary general Sheikh Dr. Muhammad Abdul Kareem Al-Issa on an official visit to Saudi Arabia on Sunday.

Zambry said the Islamic figure considered Malaysia a model country for shaping understanding between civilisations.

"We also agree that the issue of Islamophobia should be overcome together by using dialogue approaches, good communication, and the principle of coexistence.

"More prudent and wise measures will be taken through conferences and continuous dialogues. A moderate Islamic approach, mutual respect, and ta'ayush (co-existence) will be sought to deal with this Islamophobic movement," he explained in a statement on Monday.

At the same time, Zambry also held a meeting with the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) secretary general, Hissein Brahim Taha.

Zambry

He said, both sides are of the view that the member countries should strive to help the rebuilding and reconstruction of Islamic countries that had faced wars such as Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria and Libya.

"America and Europe, as well as other major powers, need to work together with the OIC for the reconstruction of the countries through humanitarian aid without using sanction policies.

"However, in the context of Afghanistan, Malaysia insisted that discriminatory policies against women's education should be immediately eliminated," he explained.

Malaysia also suggested that the socio-economic reconstruction approach of poor and post-war countries through the Islamic economy and financial system could be implemented.

"It includes utilising zakat and waqaf institutions to help rebuild the countries involved.

"Malaysia's experience in the Islamic financial system and microcredit can contribute to efforts of social mobilisation in addition to improving their economic capabilities in the post-war period," he said.

Meanwhile, the OIC agreed to have Malaysia lead those efforts.

"It was proposed that a policy paper be submitted by Malaysia to be raised in the meeting with the OIC foreign ministers later.

"The OIC's support is very important to find a holistic and sustainable solution for the universal prosperity of Muslim countries," he said.