Malaysia under PM Anwar a model Muslim country for Tunisia

By Voon Miaw Ping 

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 24 (Bernama) -- Malaysia under Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim can be a role model for Tunisia to return to the path of democracy and stability, said Moadh Ghannouchi, son of imprisoned prominent Tunisian politician Rached Ghannouchi.

He said Malaysia is an exemplary Muslim country that is progressive, upholding democracy, inclusivity and the rule of law.

“Malaysia for us is a role model. It is a Muslim majority country but still inclusive of everyone (in the nation building process).

“It is a country that adopts democracy, making good progress and development,” he told Bernama in an interview alongside former Tunisian Youth and Sports Minister and a key leader in the Ennahdha party, Ahmed Gaaloul during their visit here, this week.

Ghannouchi also commended Anwar on his astute statesmanship in the economic and political scene in the global stage.

“He is a very well known Muslim personality around the world, known for standing up for democracy, known for sacrifying for freedom,” he said.

He also hoped Tunisia can emulate Malaysia’s success.

“That is a path that we want to follow as a country. I hope my country, Tunisia, will have what it takes to return to democracy and build along these lines,” he added.

Tunisia is facing a political crisis since 2021, following President Kais Saied's attempt to enforce authoritarian rule and purging his politcal opponents, including former Speaker of Tunisian Parliament and head of the Ennahdha party, Rached Ghannouchi.

The senior Ghannouchi, 82, was imprisoned without trial since last April on charges of incitement and plotting against state security. He was a vocal critic of Saied.

-- BERNAMA