PM Najib: Islam is about moderation and just

 

BBC World Debate, Istanbul, Turkey 23 February 2011

Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Mohd. Najib Tun Razak  explained that Islam in Malaysia is an integral part of the political, administrative, economic and social system and it has been practiced in moderation, just, inclusiveness and tolerance to everyone, which include Non Muslims. He was a panelist of the Conference of Global Movement for Justice, Peace and Dignity, organised jointly by Institute of Strategic and International Studies (ISIS), International Movement for a Just World (Just) and Bahcesehir University Civilazation Studies Centre (MEDAM) in Istanbul. The event is being taped as a BBC World Debate.

“Islam has a positive image in Malaysia. The interpretation of Islam must be done right”.

PM Najib was advocating the call of ‘The Middle Path’, “Make the changes and not subscribe to violence is the only way”. Describing the subscribed democracy, “Malaysia has a system that empowers the people to participate in charting their own destiny. It is about inclusiveness, social justice, fairness and values (that Malaysians subscribe)”.

BBC anchorwoman Zeinab Bedawi and PM Dato' Seri Mohd. Najib Tun Razak

In the same forum which was attended by Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Ali Babacan, renowned Geneva based banker Khalid Abdul Janahi, President of Paramadina University in Indonesia Dr Anies Baswedan, Bahcesehir University Professor of Sociology and Political Science Dr Niluffer Narli and the session was moderated by renowned London-based BBC journalist Zeinab Bedawi, which was captured for the BBC World Debate series, the Malaysian political model has been described one of the three preferred example practiced by Muslims in a democratic system, PM Najib admitted “The Malaysian model has worked. A transformation from a primary based and agriculture industry well into high income economy and newly industrialised nation”.

The forum is a follow up to PM Najib’s call in the United Nation General Assembly last year for the world should do away with Islam-no-phobia and instead consider the majority of Muslims taking the middle path and moderation against the minority who subscribed to extremism and advocated violence as their sordid interpretation of Islam.

In explaining how the ruling party is fairing against PAS which is an Islamist party, PM Najib said “The support for the ruling party has increased”.

The earlier part of the debate is centred on unique but diverse issues of Islam faced by Turkey, Indonesia, Syria and Malaysia which include fundamental issues, PM Najib summed it up that the practice of Islam in the political, administrative, economic and social system should be viewed from the ‘bigger picture’ and how its values have brought upon progress in totality rather than isolating specific controversial issues. “Islam is an integral part of our lives”.

Amongst the 500 audience, notable personalities include ASEAN Secretary General Dr Surin Pitsuwan, Grand Mufti of Syria Sheikh Ahmad Badr Al-Din Hassoun, Princeton University Professor Emeritus of International Law Dr Richard Falk and several Cabinet Ministers and corporate leaders who accompanied PM Najib on his official visit to Turkey.

In his parting words, PM Najib advocated “Listen and engage and (we) won’t go wrong. Interpret Islam the right way”.

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*BigDogDotCom reporting from Istanbul