CAIRO, April 9, 2005 (IslamOnline.net) – Asserting that his proposed Islam Hadhari is not meant to satisfy the West, Malaysian Premier Abdullah Ahmad Badawi asked the West to confront spiraling Islamophobia.

“It is not an approach to pacify the West. It is neither an approach to apologize for the perceived Islamic threat, nor an approach to seek approval from the non-Muslims for a more friendly and gentle image of Islam,” Abdullah told the Asia Society of Australia in Sydney a day earlier, The Star Online reported on Saturday, April 9.

“It is compatible with modernity and yet firmly rooted in the noble values and injunctions of Islam. It is an approach that values substance and not form,” he said.

Abdullah, current rotating chairman of the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC), added that Islam Hadhari was entirely consistent with democracy because it was all about living peacefully and respecting each other in a society.

“It is certainly an exhortation to the Muslims to treat well and fairly their non-Muslim fellow citizens in all their dealings,” he said.

The Malaysian premier stressed that the West and Muslims must find a common ground of understanding and unite to tackle the “root causes of terrorism”, such as poverty.

Abdullah contended that the war on terrorism could not be won by military might alone.

“The increasing gulf and misunderstanding between the West and the Muslim world must be bridged. But it requires both sides to work in tandem to close the chasm,” he said.

“The non-Muslim world, especially the West, must be prepared to discard their prejudices against Islam. Muslims too must be prepared to begin a process of reform and renewal in their respective Muslim countries,” Abdullah added.

The Malaysian premier asserted that the Muslim world abhors terrorism in the name of Islam and should not be blamed for such atrocities.

“It is not justifiable to associate terrorism with any particular race or religion,” he said.

“Islam and Muslim countries should not be made accountable for them.”

Abdullah said he did not pretend that his country had all the answers to the many problems of the Muslim world and was aware that different countries need different solutions to their problems.

“But I do believe that Malaysia can be a showcase of what it is to be a successful, modern Muslim country,” he added.

“Islam Hadhari in Malaysia will provide a way in which the government hopes to administer to the well-being of the country and welfare of its multi-racial and multi-religious population.” 

The Malaysian premier said his country’s racial and religious diversity was an asset that was celebrated.

“We are confident that Islam Hadhari can help bring Muslims into the modern world and integrate them in the modern economy, as Islam Hadhari promotes tolerance and understanding, moderation and peace. 

“The approach of Islam Hadhari will bring excellence, distinction and glory to all Malaysians,” Abdullah maintained.