Launch of The International Centre for Alliance of Civilisations and IIUM Global Forum

Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim,

Assalamu’alaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh,

Good morning,

Salam Sejahtera dan Salam 1Malaysia,

The Honourable Dato’ Sri Anifah Haji Aman, Minister of Foreign Affairs Malaysia,

His Excellency Mr Nassir AbdulAziz Al-Nasser, High Representative-Designate for the United Nation’s Alliance of Civilisations and President of the 66th Session of the United Nations General Assembly,

The Honourable Rector of International Islamic University Malaysia, Prof. Dato’ Sri Dr. Zaleha Kamarudin,

Deputy Rectors of IIUM,

Representatives of Diplomatic Missions in Malaysia,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Alhamdulillah, I am grateful to Allah Subhanahu Wata’ala, for with His blessings and grace we are able to convene here today on this historic occasion.

Before I proceed with my welcoming remarks, I wish to take this opportunity to congratulate His Excellency Mr Nassir AbdulAziz Al-Nasser on being conferred the ‘Humanitarian of the Year 2012’ Award by the UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon in October this year. Congratulations Your Excellency!

2.   I am truly honoured to be present among you this morning and deliver the welcoming speech for two very significant events. First is the launching of The International Centre for Alliance of Civilisations by the Honourable  Dato’ Sri Anifah Haji Aman. The second is the lecture on the topic of ‘The Impact of the United Nations’ Alliance of the Civilisations Initiative on International Affairs’ by His Excellency Mr Nassir AbdulAziz Al-Nasser.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

3.   The world today seems to be racing towards homogeneity, aided by technological breakthroughs and ubiquitous gadgets. The romance of travel and exploration, that of being surprised and amazed at new cultures and countries, are slowly disappearing. Human ingenuity and creativity has made the world smaller and gratifications faster. Access to information and knowledge has also become faster, broader and multi-directional. As the traditional one-way channel of news printing settles into a permanent sunset, internet has firmly established its presence in our offices, universities, schools, living rooms, and even our bedrooms. Everywhere. Anywhere.

4.   The voracious production and consumption of information online has also resulted in unverified news in the hands of the misinformed. Anyone, or everyone, no matter how misguided and ill-intentioned they are, can access world audience in a matter of seconds. The very strength of this technology in expediting access to conveniences and knowledge has also proven to be its weakness. No amount of oversight and filtering, however well-intentioned, can overcome this phenomenon. It is therefore incumbent upon all of us, as members of a civilised society, to act responsibly. Education and awareness is the only lasting anti-dote to any hatred, mistrust and animosity. Sure, it will take time and patience. Most importantly, it will require the strength for us to tame the reflective revenge, and rise above it. The alternative will leave the whole world blind. The choice is stark clear.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

5.   Our presence here today, especially our two distinguished guests, is a clear message that Alliance of Civilisations initiative is important to us. That we believe it should be a key international agenda. We, individually and collectively, have an obligation to lay the bricks of mutual trust, acceptance and understanding in building the bridges across civilisations. No country or culture has a monopoly in this undertaking. In delivering a peaceful world to our future generation, we are all equals.

6.   Since 2005, the Alliance of Civilization initiative has heralded a new era in advancing the cause of peaceful co-existence. Under the leadership of His Excellency Mr Nassir, who has dedicated his life to advance cross-cultural dialogue, diversity, peace and development, there is now an opportunity to prove with confidence that Islam has remedies to today’s challenges, and tomorrow’s. It is imperative upon us to contribute to this noble cause.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

7.   Malaysia has long been hailed as a model for moderation and mutual acceptance of people of varying cultural and religious backgrounds. Diversity of people is not new to Malaysia. The 15th Century Malacca Sultanate was already a colourful multi-ethnic mosaic.  The composition of this mosaic has evolved over the centuries, but the underpinning values of mutual respect, acceptance and tolerance have stood the test of time. However, these values are not by accident. They are carefully nurtured and vigorously guarded. They are precious.

8.   As exemplified by Malaysia, a peaceful and productive co-existence is not far-fetched or implausible as its roots and foundations are at the heart of all religions and cultures. In our Prophetic tradition, an authentic hadith says, and I quote, “None of you has faith until you love for your neighbour what you love for yourself.” And the Holy Quran addresses humanity at large by saying “O people! Behold, we have created you from a male and a female and have made you into nations and tribes so that you might come to know one another. Verily, the noblest of you in the sight of God is the one who is most deeply conscious of Him. Behold, God is all-knowing, all-aware.” Centuries ago, Islam has bestowed upon us the wisdom to achieve peaceful co-existence. It is elegant in its simplicity. That peace is achieved by understanding each other. That the effort starts with every individual with his neighbour. Every country with its neighbour.

9.   On that note, I warmly welcome His Excellency Mr Nassir AbdulAziz Al-Nasser to Malaysia and ISTAC, and thank him on behalf of the IIUM community for the Lecture he will deliver.

Finally, I wish everyone a fruitful and enlightening gathering, InsyaAllah.

Wabillahi taufik walhidayah

Wassalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh.