Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad yesterday said Pakistan and Malaysia understand the issue of combating Islamophobia.
Addressing a press conference with Prime Minister Imran Khan in Islamabad, the Malaysian premier said, “There is fear, enmity towards Muslims and the example of that is Christchurch [attacks].”
“We need to find other ways of combating Islamophobia and I think Pakistan and Malaysia understand this issue. Fighting back doesn’t always mean killing each other. There are other things we can do to reduce this atmosphere of fear, anger towards Muslims,” Mahathir
Mohamad asserted.
Regarding his talks with the premier, Mahathir Mohamad said, “We are giving importance to trade with Pakistan and had bilateral discussions on issues affecting the region and the world. If we increase our trade with each other, we will benefit. Today, everyone is focused on growing their economy and it is necessary that we have some wealth of our own in order to function as nations.”
Stating that trade between Pakistan and Malaysia will increase, Mahathir Mohamad said, “We need to identify what you can sell to us and what we can sell to you. We need to know the rules and laws of our countries so we are familiar with them so the traders find it comfortable to do business in the two
countries.”
The Malaysian premier regretted that there is not a single Muslim country that can be considered as developed. “Malaysia planned to become developed by 2030 but unfortunately due to changes in the government it became an impossible target to achieve,” he stated.
He further said, “I think we can exchange information on how to combat corruption in our countries. I am honoured to be attending Pakistan Day,” he added.
Also addressing the press conference, Prime Minister Imran Khan said, “Islamophobia was deliberately stirred across the world. The Christchurch attacks were also the result of
Islamophobia.”
“We will have to change the world’s perception regarding Muslims. Terrorism badly affected Muslim countries,” he added.
Khan appreciated the Malaysian premier for taking a stand for Muslims in the aftermath of the New Zealand terror attacks in which at least 50 Muslims, including nine Pakistanis, were killed. “
“We also admire you for your stand against corruption. Your comeback was one of the most remarkable comebacks and Pakistan has always looked upon the Malaysian prime minister as a Muslim statesman who changed his country,” the premier told his Malaysian
counterpart.
“Corruption is a big hurdle in the path of human development. Corruption can make any country poor and weak. Corruption is what destroys institutions and takes away money that should be spent on human beings and on human development,” he added.
“Pakistan is facing economic challenges right now and other countries, including Japan, are models for us. I spoke to Mahathir Mohamad regarding how Malaysia moved forward and we discussed bilateral relations,” he added.
“Mahathir Mohamad’s visit to Pakistan is an honour for us,” the premier further said.
Earlier, the Malaysian premier, who is on a three-day visit to Pakistan, was presented a guard of honour as he arrived at the Prime Minister House.
The Malaysian premier is visiting Pakistan at the invitation of Prime Minister Imran Khan. Prime Minister Mohamad will be the guest of honour at the
Pakistan Day Parade today.
Malaysia Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad and Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan stand during the national anthem at a ceremony in Islamabad.
