"I mentioned what a powerful example I think the prime minister's Islam Hadhari is for the world in sending a message of tolerance," Hughes

KUALA LUMPUR , October 24, 2005 (IslamOnline.net & News Agencies) – US goodwill envoy Karen Hughes said Monday, October 24, that the power-sharing government in mainly-Muslim Malaysia , which includes representation from minority ethnic groups, is an "outstanding" model for Iraq .

The United States ' new public relations chief statement came as she wrapped up her tour of Southeast Asia after securing a pledge from Malaysia to spread its progressive version of Islam to help fight terrorism and foster peace in Iraq .

" Malaysia has such an outstanding model of power-sharing. Throughout your history the majority have shared power with others, with minorities and other groups in the country," Agence France-Presse (AFP) quoted her as saying at the end of a two-day visit.

Malaysia 's ruling National Front coalition is led by a party representing the country's majority ethnic Malays, but minority Chinese and Indian parties also hold cabinet positions and parliamentary seats.

"We think it's a particularly important example for Iraq right now as Iraq seeks to establish its own government and seeks to have different factions within its own country work together in a united way," Hughes told reporters.

Hughes, the Under Secretary for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs and a close confidante of President George W. Bush, has been touring Muslim countries as part of efforts to ‘improve the image of the United States’, AFP said.

Malaysia offers the image of a very successful Muslim country, 60% of the population are Muslims, heading towards the status of developed nation with huge buildings, beautiful cities and a fast track economy that is doing well despite recent shattering events.

Malaysia , the current chair of the Organization of Muslim Countries (OIC), is also leading a push for Muslim nations to focus on economic development, build trade links with each other, and develop their financial sectors.

Hughes (L) met Najib at the Razak's office in Kuala Lumpur .

Hughes also met with Deputy Prime Minister Najib Razak to discuss counter-terrorism measures and hailed the government's "Islam Hadhari" concept which emphasizes moderation, and economic and scientific progress.

"I mentioned what a powerful example I think the prime minister's Islam Hadhari is for the world in sending a message of tolerance and education and inclusion and participation for women," she said.

The Malaysian defence minister said Hughes did not extend a "specific invitation for us to go to Iraq " but indicated his government will share its experiences with Iraq on how multiethnic groups could share power in a government.

Malaysia is also ready to participate in international conferences to share its concept of "Islam Hadhari" as part of efforts to isolate religious extremists and boost the global war against terrorism, he added.

Islam Hadhari is the brainchild of Malaysian Premier Ahmad Badawi, who maintains it is derived from the core principles and teachings of Islam.

Tolerance

Hughes looks at a model of the Al-Aqsa mosque during a visit to the Islamic Arts Museum in Kuala Lumpur .

Hughes said that she talked with officials about how Malaysia might participate in spreading that "message of tolerance and interfaith respect and understanding around the world," Hughes said.

Hughes added Malaysia was willing to join the United States in explaining its approach at an international level.

" Malaysia will be willing to participate in international conferences, to have officials join us in helping to talk about those values we share as a civilized people," she said.

Hughes appealed Sunday for Malaysia , an Asian melting pot of religions, to use its influence in the Islamic world to help bridge a gulf of misunderstanding about US policies abroad, Urdu Times reported Sunday.

"I do think that Malaysia can be a very important part of our outreach, the civilised world's outreach, in confronting terror," Hughes said.

"I think Malaysia is uniquely placed to help with that," she told reporters after opening a collection of books on US history and culture at the city's main public library.

During her three-day visit to Malaysia , Hughes attended "iftars" — the meal that breaks a dawn-to-dusk fast by Muslims during the holy Ramadan month — with local community leaders and visited the Islamic Arts Museum.

Her Southeast Asian tour, which also took her to the world's most populous Muslim nation, Indonesia , followed her visit to the Middle East last month as part of efforts to boost the U.S. image abroad.

Hughes has faced a barrage of criticism of US policy toward Iraq during her travels. In Jakarta , she came under tough questioning from a group of mostly female Muslim students.