PM NAJIB: OIC A STAGE TO LAUNCH DEFENCE AGAINST EXTREMISM, ISLAMOPHOBIA

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 25 (Bernama) -- The Organisation of the Islamic
Conference (OIC) is not only a platform for cooperation among the Ummah, but
also a stage to launch a defence against extremism and Islamophobia at
international level, Najib Tun Razak said.

The prime minister said that the growing negative perceptions and insults
against Islam had exacerbated hostilities against Muslims, especially those
living in the West.

"It is for the Ummah to project and promote the true image of Islam by
highlighting the universal values, the rich heritage and achievements of this
sacred religion that teaches its followers tolerance and respect for others," he
said in his message on the commemoration of the 40th anniversary of
establishment of the OIC Friday.

The message was released here Friday.

Najib also said that after 40 years, the OIC had evolved into a body that
served and safeguarded the interests of the Ummah.


The prime minister is pleased to note that the organisation has actively
involved in the promotion of activities to further enhance cooperation,
coordination and collaboration among the 57 member states with a population of
more than 1.5 billion.

Najib said however that the world was a vastly different place today than it
was 40 years ago, and that many new challenges had emerged.

"For the OIC to remain relevant in the globalised, technological and a
borderless world, it must move with the times," he said.

"Members must work together, maximise the use of their combined resources
for the collective good and benefit of the Ummah. The OIC must recognise the new
challenges in the post Sept 11 era not only in the political and security areas
but also in the economic and social sphere."

Najib said the OIC must play the role of catalyst and provider for the
economic and social development among the least developed members of the
organisation.

"As the world moves on, we cannot afford to be left behind. Joint and
concerted efforts are needed to remove the shackles of poverty still afflicting
millions of our fellow Muslims around the world.

"It is for us to shape our own destiny and therefore we must aim to grow
through self-reliance. Poverty, hunger and disease are the common enemies of
mankind," he said.

The prime minister said while the international community was addressing
these problems, the OIC must play its part.

"While the challenges are many, they cannot be ignored. Members must close
ranks to address them for the benefit of the present and future generations," he
said.

On the Palestinian issue, Najib said despite international efforts to
resolve the matter, "we are disheartened and dismayed over the grave and
volatile situation that continues in the occupied Palestinian territories."


On Malaysia's role in the OIC, Najib said as a founding member of the
organisation, Malaysia played an important role in its establishment.

He added that while holding the OIC chairmanship from Oct 2003 until March
2008, Malaysia had reoriented the focus of the organisation from solely
deliberating on political issues to one that also emphasised on economic issues.

"To this effect, the government of Malaysia remains committed to enhancing
economic cooperation among the OIC member states and promoting intra-OIC trade.

"Despite the potential, intra-OIC trade currently stands at 16.7 per cent of
total world trade," he said.

-- BERNAMA