Muslim World Indebted To Malaysia's Courageous Policies - Tunisia’s Ennahda Party Founder

PUTRAJAYA (Malaysia), July 12 (Bernama) – Tunisia’s Ennahda Party founder and leader, Rachid Ghannouchi says Muslims globally are indebted to the Malaysian Government’s policies relating to issues concerning Muslims. Describing it as courageous, he said the Muslim world appreciated efforts by the Malaysian Government in raising awareness and voicing out support towards Muslims in Palestine as well as those in Rohingya, southern Thailand and the southern Philippines. “We appreciate the visit of Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak to Gaza. It was not easy to do that as it needs a courageous personality to make such a move. So, Muslims are indebted to these courageous policies made by the Malaysian Government,” he told a press conference after meeting Najib at Seri Perdana here Tuesday. Najib made the humanitarian visit to Gaza on Jan 22, 2013, during an official working visit to Egypt to show the solidarity and steadfast support of Malaysia and its people towards the Palestinian struggle. Ghannouchi, 76, who is on a seven-day visit as state guest to Malaysia beginning Sunday, at Najib’s invitation, attended a three-hour meeting with the prime minister during which they discussed issues concerning Muslims and strengthening cooperation between Malaysia and Tunisia. During the meeting, the moderate Islamist leader also urged the Malaysian Government to invest and share Malaysian expertise in the North African country and the region, as well as participate in developing the country and its people. “We also seek more opportunities for Tunisian students to pursue their studies in Malaysian universities and we have expressed our readiness to encourage Malaysian students to continue their studies in Arabic language and Islamic sciences in Tunisia. “So, there is indeed, a strong platform to encourage and strengthen cooperation between Malaysia and Tunisia,” he said. -- BERNAMA