Mahathir urges OIC members to unite, act for progress

Home>>World

Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Thursday, October 16, 2003

Mahathir urges OIC members to unite, act for progress

Members of the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) were urged here Thursday to unite and act for their dignity and progress.

DISCUSSION

CHINESE

SEND TO FRIEND

Members of the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) were urged here Thursday to unite and act for their dignity and progress.

At the opening ceremony of the two-day 10th OIC summit, Mahathir Mohamad, chairman of the summit and prime minister of Malaysia, said the Islamic world is still oppressed and humiliated today since it is divided and has not tapped their potentials to promote their interests.

He stressed that if the Islamic countries want to recover their dignity, their governments must have "close ranks" and "a common stand" and they must "act in concert."

Mahathir said the Islamic world with a population of 1.3 billion and the biggest oil reserve in the world should pool theirresources together for social and economic development.

"We must build up our strength in every field, not just in armed might. Our countries must be stable and well-administrated, must be economically and financially strong, industrially competent and technologically advanced," he said.

In his 20-minute speech, Mahathir also urged OIC members to take concerted and coordinated action and avoid mere words to recover the dignity of the Islamic world and achieve social progress.

"We must do what needs to be done, willingly and with determination," the 77-year old politician said.

The OIC summit themed "Knowledge and Morality for the Progress of Ummah" and attended by leaders and representatives from 57 member countries is being held at a time when the Islamic world faces challenges of terrorism, extremism, globalization as well asdefamation of Islam and Muslims.

The Islamic organization, formally established in 1971 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, was designed to pool the resources of all members together to safeguard their interests and secure the progress and well-being of their peoples and of all Muslims in theworld.

Questions?Comments? Click here

OIC urges Israel to desist decision against Arafat

Chinese, US presidents to meet in Bangkok ( 2 Messages)

Activists sail to Diaoyu Islands to proclaim sovereignty ( 5 Messages)

When will Nobel dream come true for China? ( 10 Messages)

US, don't be doubtful of everything: commentary ( 5 Messages)

China to launch manned space flight on Oct. 15 ( 33 Messages)