NST ONLINE: NEW YORK: Malaysia has proposed that an international convention sponsored by the Organisation of the Islamic Conference (OIC) be held next year to tackle anti-Muslim movements in several developed nations.
Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim said on Thursday the OIC had asked Malaysia to play a major role in rectifying the misconception about Islam, especially in the West.
He said Islamaphobia [sic] was so serious that some Western countries hated Muslim nations, as shown by the protests against the construction of a mosque in Cologne, Germany, recently.
Rais said OIC's request was conveyed to him by its secretary-general, Prof Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu, on the sidelines of the 63rd session of the United Nations General Assembly.
He told Malaysian journalists that the OIC was confident that Malaysia would be able to counter the misconception.
Rais hoped that the convention would be attended by influential people like national leaders, intellectuals and representatives of non-governmental organisations supporting religious tolerance.
"Malaysia hopes that another window can be opened for a more universal understanding of Islam to help in civilisation-building," he said. Malaysia to Combat Anti-Islam Perception >>> September 26, 2008
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