From Salawaty Supardi
PHNOM PENH, March 28 (NNN-Bernama) — Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on Monday praised his Cambodian counterpart Hun Sen for his longstanding respect and high regards for the Muslim community in the Kingdom.
The Prime Minister said while anti-Muslim sentiments and Islamophobia are widespread in Europe, Hun Sen has shown his respect for the Muslim community even though they are a minority.
“This gathering (breaking of fast) for Muslims in conjunction with Ramadan is interesting as Muslims are a minority here but we have a leader who has the foresight to respect others including Muslims.
“I hope many countries in the world where racism emerges can learn to respect the minority community like in Cambodia under Hun Sen where they show tolerance to the others,” he said in his speech during an Iftar Dinner hosted by Hun Sen at Chroy Changvar International Convention and Exhibition Centre (CCIC) here.
During the Iftar, the Prime Minister also handed over a contribution of 1,500 copies of the al-Quran translated into Khmer and English languages for the Muslim communities in Cambodia.
He also handed over scholarships worth US$1.1 million (RM4.862 million) by University Binary, Malaysia to 15 Cambodian scholars for a four-year course.
In his speech, the Prime Minister also wished Cambodia success in organising the 2023 Sea Games in May.
He also expressed Malaysia’s commitment to continue strengthening the diplomatic relations that have been established in the past 66 years and appreciated Cambodia’s tolerance towards all races and religions.
“As I mentioned earlier, this will be an example to other countries that hate other races, other religions and minority groups. Learn from Cambodia which shows religion is for tolerance and love,” he said.
Meanwhile, speaking to the Malaysian media at the end of his visit, Anwar said he was satisfied with his one-day official visit to Cambodia since he had the opportunity to discuss various bilateral issues, regional issues as well as global issues with his counterpart Hun Sen.
Anwar said he highly appreciated and valued the invitation from his counterpart which will certainly enhance the existing strong bilateral relationship and diplomatic relations that has existed for 66 years.
“During the bilateral meeting, Hun Sen invited Malaysia to use his country’s products made of bamboo while I also had the opportunity to break fast with about 6,000 people,” he said.
Anwar added that discussions at the ASEAN level would be a more suitable platform to discuss the pressing issues of tension in Myanmar that was raised by Hun Sen.
This is because the Myanmar issue is an internal political issue and ASEAN will be the best platform to discuss the issue as a team.
— NNN-BERNAMA
