CAMBODIAN MUSLIMS NEED KNOWLEDGE AND RESOURCES TO DEVELOP

IPOH (Malaysia), March 15 (Bernama) -- Muslims in Cambodia have the
opportunity to develop and progress in the fields of education, the economy and
in social matters but unfortunately lack sufficient knowledge and resources,
said the country's vice chairman of the Highest Council of Islamic Religious
Affairs Cambodia, Zakaria Adam.

He said as such his organisation visited Malaysia to seek knowledge and aid
for Cambodian Muslims.

"Our delegation today is about 20 persons and made up of Highest Council
members, community leaders and federal and regional imams. Our trip is
sanctioned by our prime minister and is to visit and enhance relations between
Muslims of both countries," Zakaria said.

He was speaking at a lunch reception at the official residence of Perak
state chief minister Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir, who also attended the reception.

Zakaria said Cambodian Muslims had progressed under Cambodian Prime Minister
Hun Sen as Muslims had five MPs, five deputy ministers and nine deputy ministers
(II) and two senators.

Zakaria hoped meeting Zambry and Perak Mufti Harussani Zakaria Monday
would yield results and help the 500,000 Muslims out of a Cambodian population
of 14 million.

Zakaria said Cambodiam Mulims needed proper aid and support after being long
subjugated and left behind.

Zambry said Cambodia was not an alien country to Malaysians especially to
Perak.

"Similarities in religion makes the relationship not alien and distanced,"
he said.
-- BERNAMA