Speeches, Statements & International Documents

STATEMENT BY HIS EXCELLENCY DATO’ SERI UTAMA HAJI MOHAMAD BIN HAJI HASAN, MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF MALAYSIA AT THE 15 TH SESSION OF THE ISLAMIC SUMMIT CONFERENCE BANJUL, THE GAMBIA, 4-5 MAY 2024

 

His Excellency Adama Barrow,

President of the Republic of The Gambia, and Chairman of the 15 th Islamic Summit Conference

His Excellency Hissien Brahim Taha, Secretary-General of the OIC

Your Royal Highnesses, Excellencies, Heads and Representatives of State and Government,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Assalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh.

Let me begin by expressing our utmost appreciation to the Chairman, and the Government and people of The Republic of The Gambia, for the excellent arrangements of the Summit, and the warm hospitality accorded to me and my delegation. Please be assured, Your Excellency, of Malaysia’s full support to The Gambia as the new Chair of the Fifteenth Islamic Summit Conference.

2. Malaysia also congratulates the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, under the able stewardship of His Majesty King Salman bin AbdulAziz Al Saud, for his leadership in steering the OIC over the past four years. 

Mr. Chairman,

3. We gather here to reflect on the progress made by the OIC since our last Summit. But more importantly, this is a gathering of self-reflection on the various challenges confronting the Ummah, and how the OIC should move forward in addressing these challenges.

4. The theme – “Enhancing Unity and Solidarity Through Dialogue for Sustainable Development” – reflects our collective pronouncement towards realising the goals and principles enshrined in the OIC Charter. It demands sincerity and strong political will, from all of us, in forging a truly one Muslim world.

5. The unity that fosters cooperation in upholding and promoting peace, which, in turn, drives sustainable development across the Ummah, and the world at large.

6. As we speak, the bitter truth sadly remains. Muslim countries continue to suffer from conflicts and crises that hamper economic and social developments.

7. The Palestinians continue to be deprived of their fundamental human rights, including their right to self-determination from Israel’s decades-long illegal occupation. They are confronting genocide and crimes against humanity by the Zionist regime.

Mr. Chairman,

8. The escalation of tensions in the Middle East will undoubtedly risk the global economy and progress of the Ummah.

9. While we appreciate the maximum restraint by all parties concerned, the OIC must work with the international community to address the root cause of the problem: that is, Israel’s illegal occupation of Palestine for more than seven decades.

10. Therefore, the OIC must remain relevant and stand firmly with the oppressed; propagate peace; and uphold the sanctity of the international justice system. 

11. The OIC must be the voice to educate the misguided or misinformed masses, so that they understand the legal and historical aspects of the Palestinian cause. Only then can we see progress.

12. The OIC must, therefore, continue working relentlessly, with like-minded countries, in pursuit of four key priority areas:

One: Institute an immediate and permanent ceasefire;

Two: Establish safe and unhindered access for delivery of aid;

Three: Ensure accountability for violations of international law; and;

Four:Admission of Palestine as a full member of the United Nations, its rightful place among the community of nations, that has long been denied.

13. We must not let any differences divert our attention from those objectives. Allah S.W.T says in the Holy Qur’an, Surah Al-Imran verse 103, “And hold firmly to the rope of Allah all together and do not become divided.”

Mr. Chairman,

14. We are also concerned with the rise of Islamophobia, especially the prejudice and discrimination against Muslims, and even in public discourse and policy debates about Muslims.

15. In recent times, we have seen right-wing political parties, religious leaders and even State actors in the West, make a mockery of the diversity of religions and beliefs, including deliberate acts of burning and desecration of the Holy Qur’an.

16. Disgracefully, they rationalise their actions in total disregard of the basic principles of human rights – a hypocrisy at best, and double standard at worst.

17. The OIC must redouble our efforts in combating the surge in Islamophobia. We must work closely with the UN Special Envoy to combat Islamophobia, a proud tangible result of our collective effort at the United Nations.

18. On Malaysia’s part, we have been active in promoting inter-religious and inter-cultural dialogues in fostering peace, moderation and religious tolerance. These dialogues would bridge the gap of misunderstandings and mistrust leading to Islamophobia.

19. In February 2023, Malaysia hosted the International Forum on Islamophobia: Meaningful Engagement Through MADANI Discourse where academicians, religious leaders, diplomats and activists participated in discussing religious tolerance and understanding.

20. This year, Malaysia will be organising the International Conference of Religious Leaders from 7 to 8 May 2024. With the theme of “Diversity in Unity”, we hope Muslim Leaders, Scholars and various religious leaders from all over the world will join and help us overcome this gap, in achieving the peaceful co-existence and religious harmony the world needs today.

Mr. Chairman,

21. The OIC must also continue its efforts to assist Muslim minorities and communities outside the Member States, including the Rohingya, to safeguard their dignity, and cultural and religious identity, as well as to improve their circumstances.

22. Malaysia too has played our role through the hosting of “The Eighth OIC-IPHRC International Seminar: Islamic Perspectives on the Protection of Refugees” in October 2022. The outcome of the Seminar – the Kuala Lumpur Declaration on Rights and Access to Education for Refugees – serves as the guideline for OIC countries to provide access to education for refugees in their countries.

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

23. Poverty eradication and socio-economic development have always been among the top priorities for the OIC. We would only be able to realise the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, if we address these two areas effectively. Thus, we must strengthen our economic cooperation and trade ties among the OIC Member States, as espoused in the OIC Plan of Action 2016-2025.

24. In efforts to strengthen international cooperation, Malaysia organised the first phase of the Fifteenth International Conference on Islamic Economic and Finance in March 2024 with the theme: “Driving the Agenda for a Sustainable Human Economy”.

25. Insya-Allah, we will continue this effort and organise the third phase of the Conference, which will be elevated to the Global Forum on Islamic Economic and Finance from 28 to 29 May 2024 with the theme: “Shaping a Resilient Global Islamic Economy through Values-based Reforms”.

26. The Forum will bring a unique focus on the importance of Islamic economics and finance as a solution in creating a more resilient, sustainable and equitable economic development globally.

Mr. Chairman,

27. Before I conclude, let me reiterate Malaysia’s firm commitment and support to the OIC in promoting peace, security, development, and well-being of the Ummah. These goals can only be achieved through unity and cooperation – central to the theme of this year’s Summit.

 

Thank you.