Joint secretariat will enable tv networks to explain about Islam - Mufti

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 30 -- The proposal to set up an English-language television channel by Malaysia, Turkey and Pakistan has received positive reaction from many parties as it could clarify the view of the world community on issues relating to Islam and counter the belief that the religion is connected to terrorism.

Federal Territory Mufti Datuk Seri Dr Zulkifli Mohamad said the process of implementing the initiative would be made simpler by setting up a joint secretariat between the three countries which would act as a broadcasting and multimedia agency as well as a religious authority.

“All three countries (Malaysia, Pakistan and Turkey) can put forward noted personalities who could make clarifications according to each country’s unique qualities, race and way of life,” he told Bernama today.

Zulkifli added that in the case of bigger issues such as extremist groups or Islamophobia, the opinion of the experts could be obtained for a comprehensive reply given.

On Sept 28, Malaysia, Turkey and Pakistan agreed that definite steps must be taken to provide clarifications on Islam to the outside world, in the effort to clear misconceptions of its connection to terrorism.

Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said the idea for the television channel arose from discussions held between him, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and the Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan outside of the United Nations General Assembly in New York recently.

Meanwhile, Fellow in Islamic studies at the Faculty of Theology, Oxford University, Datuk Dr Afi­fi al-Akiti said the intention to set up an English TV channel to tackle the rising problem of anti-Muslim sentiment and "Islamophobia" is a positive development, especially given the atrocities relating to it such as the Christchurch massacre.

“The fact that this initiative is spearheaded by the three Muslim 'democrat' nations of Malaysia, Pakistan and Turkey, too is significant as these nations are attempting to seize the initiative and not be defensive and reactive to current world events. This, I believe, supports the view of the silent majority of Muslims worldwide,” he said 

Afifi who is also the Imam Paduka Tuan (Orang Besar Delapan) of Perak said  the philosophy behind the programme contents should project only a positive image of Islam and make use of guidance from the progressive and moderate scholars from the three countries.

“This is because at the root of the problem of Islamophobia is "fear of the unknown" by non-Muslims about Islam. The more they know about how peaceful and tolerant the Islamic religion really is, the better,” he explained.

Vice-president of the Malaysian Islamic Youth Movement (ABIM) Ahmad Fahmi Mohd Samsudin said the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) could play a role as an important entity and become a source of international reference.

“Bernama can represent the country to spearhead the idea. It is time for Bernama to play a role like Al Jazeera which represents Qatar, and is viewed throughout the Arab world.

“If Bernama grabs this opportunity, Malaysia could be a source of important world news,” he said.

He added that clarifications on issues relating to Islam could be in the form of films or documentaries which could be screened on television and viewed throughout the world.

-- BERNAMA