MUSLIMS MUST CONTINUE TO BE VOICE OF UNDERSTANDING

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 20 (Bernama) -- Muslims must continue to engage in the
voice of understanding, respect and acceptance in order to counter the
misconceptions the world has of them, said the Regent of Perak, Raja Dr
Nazrin Shah.

"This voice must be empowered and emboldened," he said at the launching
of "The Art of Integration: Islam In Britain" photo exhibition at the Islamic
Art Museum, here, Monday.

Raja Nazrin said Malaysia and Britain shared the values of religious,
cultural and racial acceptance.

"As we continue to espouse these values, we must ardently strive to dispel
all false preconceptions."

He said such was the best response, especially following the terrible
event of Sept 11, 2001 and the London bombings on July 7, 2005, which had
undeniably intensified fear and suspicion towards Muslims in much of the western
world.


"Under such a climate, any resistance to multiculturalism, whether
direct or implied, has largely tantamount to attacks on Muslims and Islam.

"This is hardly unexpected, seeing that Islam is not only more topical at
present, but more visible and most symbolically-charged.

"The result has been the uncalled-for hostility between peoples, with many
suffering the effects of prejudice and discrimination," he said.

The exhibition showcases a collection of 50 works by renowned British
photographer Peter Sanders which depict the breadth and depth of Muslim life
in Britain.

Raja Nazrin said the deep cultural chasm that currently existed between
Islam and the West was mostly a result of misunderstanding and misconceptions
about one another, exacerbated by the strident voice of a few that resounded
above the moderate voice of many.

On the exhibition, Raja Nazrin said that at a time when mistrust and
suspicion prevailed, especially between the Islamic world and the West, any
effort at promoting respect and understanding was extremely praiseworthy.

"I am very much in support of any kind of commitment shown by any
individual, organisation or country towards such efforts," he said.

Raja Nazrin said praiseworthy were also efforts at integrating Muslim
populations with the rest of the society and the wider world.

"Not just in the interest of promoting cultural diversity, but in the spirit
of human rights and justice, and with due recognition to the contributions made
by Muslims around the world, as much as any other citizen, to economic, cultural
and political life.

"When people can see the souls of individuals through their eyes and
appreciate each other as fellow human beings with precious lives, then perhaps
the mistrust, hatred and suspicion can cease, and the massacres can end," he
added.

The exhibition runs from Tuesday (Jan 20) to April 20.

-- BERNAMA