Najib: OIC can show true Islam

KUALA LUMPUR: The Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) is not only a platform for cooperation among the ummah, but also a stage to launch a defense against extremism and Islamophobia at international level, said Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

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 released here yesterday to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the establishment of the OIC today.

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

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

“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,” he said.

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

He added that while holding the OIC chairmanship from Oct 2003 until March 2008, Malaysia had re-oriented the focus of the organization from solely deliberating on political issues to one that also emphasized on economic issues.

“To this effect, Malaysia re-mains committed to enhancing economic cooperation among OIC member states and promoting intra-OIC trade,” he said.