Engagement between Muslims, others vital to avoid Islamophobia - PM

IPOH: Engagement between Muslims and others is necessary for fostering mutual understanding and avoiding the misunderstandings that lead to Islamophobia, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

Anwar stated that the West, even post-colonial period, still retains old precepts of the "other", leading to misunderstanding, misinformation and rejection of the other, which is termed Islamophobia.

"How do you survive and live in a society like a multiracial, multi religious Malaysia and avoid discussing other religions, cultures, civilisations ... And then demand the West must understand us?

"So I think it is the engagement that is required by us to get others to understand us, and for us to understand them," he said in his speech at the 7th World Conference on Islamic Thought and Civilisation (WCIT) 'Together We Stand: Muslims and Global Humanity' here today.

The Sultan of Perak, Sultan Nazrin Shah, graced the conference.

Also present Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad.