New Foreign Policy Framework To Make Malaysia A Leading Islamic Nation

By Nur Ashikin Abdul Aziz KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 20 (Bernama) -- Malaysia's endeavour to position itself as an inclusive, developed and progressive Islamic country – one of the key points contained in the Foreign Policy Framework of the New Malaysia launched this week – is much needed at a time when the Muslim world is in crisis. Academicians believe that Malaysia can rise to the occasion as the Muslim world is in need of strong leadership to tackle issues such as conflicts in the Middle East, Islamophobia and the sufferings of the Muslim minorities. Dr Balakrishnan R.K.Suppaiah, a senior lecturer of Universiti Malaya's Department of International and Strategic Studies, said that Malaysia need to take the lead due to the lack of model Islamic countries capable of playing such role. "In this context, Malaysia and other countries like Turkey are role models in uniting the Muslim world, and this should be done at the OIC (Organisation of Islamic Cooperation) level and at the level of D8 Organisation for Economic Cooperation," he told Bernama International News Service in an interview on Friday. He said even though Malaysia might not be able to do much in Islamic countries ravaged by conflicts and wars, it can set a good example by maintaining good relations with Islamic organisations such as the OIC and the World Islamic Economic Forum (WIEF). Meanwhile Prof Dr Ahmad Martadha Mohamed of Universiti Utara Malaysia's School of Government said Malaysia is known for its moderate and peaceful approach in many aspects. "The country's moderate approach (to issues and problems) has made us a model for others because we are able to live in peace despite our religious, racial and cultural diversity,” he said. Ahmad Martadha also said Malaysia has been consistently championing the plight of Muslims in crises such as the Bosnian War, as well as the ongoing Palestinian-Israeli and Rohingya conflicts. He added that Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad is known for speaking up for Muslims and Muslim minorities at international fora, especially at the United Nations General Assembly. "We can see that the OIC isn't really able to deal with the situations affecting the Muslims because many Middle Eastern countries have their own problems. “For example, Malaysia has strongly supported the Palestinian cause even though we're far away, but (some of) Palestine's neighbouring countries aren't coming down as hard on Israel,” said Ahmad Martadha.​​​​​​​ Azmi Hassan, a political analyst from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, said that Malaysia can help in overcoming the rise of Islamophobia. "One of the reasons Islamophobia happens is due to a biased view of Islam. And this happens because when it comes to Islamic countries, people will think of (some) Arab countries that are unable to set a good example of what an Islamic state should be," he said.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ Azmi noted that even former US President Barack Obama had stated during his visit here that Malaysia is an exemplary Muslim country that represents tolerance and peace. In the framework themed 'Change in Continuity', Malaysia also outlined that it will lead the efforts to improve the fortune and image of Muslim countries and the Ummah, play a prominent role in the OIC to improve the condition of the Ummah, and lead in promoting the concepts of Maqasid Syari’ah (higher objectives of the Syariah) and Muslim Democrats within the organisation. -- BERNAMA