MILF: We can learn much from Umno

From AsiaOne News (Nov 27): MILF: We can learn much from Umno

Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) chairman Murad Ebrahim has paid tribute to Umno, describing it as a Malay-based political party that the Southern Philippine Bangsamoro people can learn a lot from. "The story of Umno and its founding has much to be shared with the Bangsamoro as lessons to be learnt in the political life of the Malay people," Murad said at an international forum held in conjunction with the Umno general assembly. "In Malaysia's struggle against colonialism, how Umno engaged in conciliation and conflict resolution is exemplary, and your country's citizens have reasons to be grateful for your experience in governance," he added. Murad thanked the Malaysian Government and its leaders, including Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, for their longstanding support to the peace process in the conflict-torn region. He said organising the forum ahead of the annual meeting of Malaysia's largest political party projected Umno as a party whose interest went beyond domestic politics to include a desire to be united with the larger Muslim ummah and international community. The soft-spoken Murad related Malaysia's contributions to the southern Philippine peace process, which led to the signing of a framework peace agreement last month between the MILF and the Philippine Government. Murad said the current round of peace talks began when the Philippine Government under then President Gloria Arroyo sought help from Dr Mahathir in 2000 to facilitate a negotiated political solution to the conflict. Murad said the MILF was also thankful to senior Umno leaders in the Cabinet whom he said had helped the peace process with their strong support.

http://news.asiaone.com/News/AsiaOne%2BNews/Malaysia/Story/A1Story20121127-385989.html