Malaysia - M'sia pushes for moderation

Moderation paved the way for the success of the Bangsamoro agreement between the Philippines government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), Malaysia told Asian and European leaders meeting in Vientiane yesterday.

“I presented two examples, where the success of the Bangsamoro framework agreement was achieved based on the moderate approach by Malaysia as the facilitator,” Malaysia’s Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak told the Malaysian media here.

“Judging from the response, the leaders seem to accept the idea that this is an important principle that can be used for conflict resolution and to avoid future conflicts,” added Najib, who is attending the Asia-Europe Summit (Asem) here, along with leaders of about 50 countries.

The PM, who is heading Malaysia's push for the concept globally, also said moderation was used in extending aid to the people in Myanmar’s Rakhine state, where the situation in the conflict area was considered a humanitarian rather than a religious issue.

“A Malaysian non-governmental organisation is distributing aid to both Muslims and Buddhists in Rakhine because we know the root of the problem is poverty.

“The NGO also brought along a renowned Buddhist monk to reflect our understanding of the issue,” he said.

Najib said Asem leaders accepted Malaysia's Global Movement of Moderates concept as part of the chairman's statement and the Vientiane Declaration adopted at the summit.

The declaration also had leaders renewing their commitment to deepen and broaden Asem interfaith dialogue, considered valuable in promoting social cohesion, peace and development.

Meanwhile, Najib also received a courtesy call by British Foreign Secretary William Hague, who expressed his government's appreciation over Malaysia's role in the signing of the framework agreement on the Bangsamoro.

Najib said Hague commended Malaysia for playing a role in resolving the 40-year-old conflict, adding that the British government also appreciated the government's stand on the Syrian crisis which called for continued efforts to seek a solution to the political crisis.

“Hague also spoke about the need for both governments to make continuous efforts to boost trade so that the target to double the trade between Malaysia and Britain by 2016 can be achieved,” said Najib.

Najib also had a meeting with Slovenian Prime Minister Janez Jansa, during which they agreed on the need for their economy-related ministers and the private sector to have more engagements.

Mazwin Nik Anis 

The Star

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