Secretary General of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation Tan Sri Iyad Ameen Madani during an exclusive interview with Bernama in Kuala Lumpur, on April 14, 2014. — Bernama pic
The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) would seek Malaysia’s advice regarding the status of the peace agreement on the Southern Philippine issue brokered by Malaysia before proceeding with any further action, its Secretary-General Tan Sri Iyad Ameen Madani said.
Madani, who arrived here today for a three-day visit, said his meeting with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak scheduled for tomorrow, would among others, focus on the unresolved issue, especially after the killing of 44 police commandos in an encounter with Moro rebels in Maguindanao on Jan 25.
“We think the process has slowed down a little bit and that is why we are involving ourselves more actively, so that perhaps we can help the process move at the right speed.
“Since the Malaysian prime minister spearheaded this (peace agreement), we want to listen to him on this and on the current status of the agreement, and where he sees a role for us,” he told Bernama in an exclusive interview, here, today.
Malaysia had been facilitating the peace talks between the Philippine government and the country’s largest Muslim rebel group, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), since 2001.
Both signed a peace agreement on March 27, 2014.
“We have two challenges here. One is with the Philippine government. If there is already an agreement, they should live up to that commitment. Secondly, we would like the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) and MILF to look at things in a similar manner because if they go separate ways, it would certainly weaken the outcome.
“We (OIC) have managed to bring them together and we have established the Bangsamoro forum, with representatives from both sides. That formula is producing fruit and they are closer to each other now,” he noted.
After Malaysia, Madani will head to Manila, Philippines where he will discuss the issue with Philippine officials.
The secretary-general said his visit to Malaysia would give him the opportunity to brief Najib on OIC’s agenda, besides getting the prime minister’s views on the organisation and its future.
“I am its new secretary-general. The first job of any OIC secretary-general is to touch base with the member states.
“All 57 member states are important to us but Malaysia is of special importance to the OIC because of its location, success in various fields including scientific, economic growth and political clout,” he said.
Madani, who was appointed OIC secretary-general on Jan 1 last year, is scheduled to meet Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Anifah Aman tomorrow.
He is also expected to deliver a talk at the International Islamic University Malaysia and visit Chemical Company of Malaysia (CCM) Pharmaceuticals Sdn Bhd in Bangi to witness the production of halal pharmaceutical products.
http://www.themalaymailonline.com/malaysia/article/oic-to-seek-malaysias-advice-on-status-of-southern-philippines-peace-proces
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