Showcase of solidarity at Arab-Islamic-US Summit
> World needs to know Muslim leaders united in fighting terror, says Najib
RIYADH: Malaysia joined more than 50 Muslim countries at the Arab-Islamic-US Summit to show the world they are united in eradicating terrorism.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak said the world needed to be reminded that Muslim leaders at the meeting yesterday completely condemn terrorism and violent extremism.
“The world should have no doubt we stand collectively with the international community in the fight to eradicate this menace,” he told the gathering, which included United States President Donald Trump.
In thanking Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud for hosting the summit, Najib said the gathering had sent a clear message to the world community on the united efforts by Muslim countries in combating terrorism, Bernama reported.
However, Najib cautioned that the current instability in the Middle East region had raised much concern.
“Unstable regions are fertile grounds for terrorism to flourish,” he said, adding that he was aware there was widespread belief that Iran had contributed somewhat to the instability.
As Malaysia enjoyed and valued good relations with countries in the region, he said Malaysia felt that Iran should avoid any action that could be interpreted as interfering in the internal affairs of its neighbours.
“This is not only for the sake of regional stability but also for the unity of the ummah,” he added.
He said the fight against terror was not just about military moves but also about winning hearts and minds.
A credible narrative needed to be told, in which Islam and modernity were compatible, material progress and religious devotion go hand-in-hand and religious knowledge and scientific inquiry mutually reinforce one another, he said.
“We must, however, emphasise and reinforce our stories so that true Islam is known the world over, while at the same time we coordinate to crush Islamic State and their allies wherever their malign presence is felt.”
Najib said Kuala Lumpur had not lagged in its efforts to combat radicalisation through the promotion of ‘’wasatiyyah’’ (moderation) and the establishment of the Global Movement of Moderation.