UAE speaker praises RI as democratic Muslim country

Antara News, Sat, January 28 2012

(ANTARA/Nila Fu'adi)

Jakarta (ANTARA News) - United Arab Emirates (UAE) Parliament Speaker Mohammad Ahmad Almour has praised Indonesia as an exemplary OIC (Organization of the Islamic Conference) member country for its consistent adherence to democracy and tolerant Islamic culture.

According to the chairman of the Indonesian House of Representatives Inter-Parliamentary Cooperation Body, Hidayat Nurwahid, here Saturday Ahmad Almour praised Indonesia as a predominantly Muslim country that successfully practicing democracy,

The West had often said that Democracy and Islam could not go hand in hand and that the two could even come into conflict with each other, said Hidayat citing Almour`s statement at the Islamic parliamentary meeting in Palembang.

"Although the majority of its population is Muslim, Indonesia consistently implements democracy and it is therefore the pride of OIC," Hidayat quoted Almour as saying.

Hidayat also said the United Arab Emirates parliament hoped Indonesia could play a more significant role in straightening out the West`s negative view of Islam in relation with democracy.

Therefore many misunderstanding views about Islam can be reduced and Islam is not identical with terrorism.

"Indonesia is famous for treating quests in friendly, courteous and respectful ways. The chairman of the Parliament of UAE really appreciates this," said Marzuki Alie, Speaker of Indonesia`s House of Representatives on the same occasion.

Arab countries want the stigma of Islamic terrorism can be eliminated through Indonesian good relations with Europe and America.

"They thought Indonesia could be an agent for having good relations and appreciated by the US and Europe," he said.

Indonesia can show that democracy is not contrary to Islamic values and Islam is not terrorist, but the violence arises recently only committed by a small group of extremists that does not represent Islam.

Editor: Priyambodo RH