ASEAN MUST BE FREE FROM EXTREMISM

PRESS RELEASE

27TH JANUARY 2010

ASEAN MUST BE FREE FROM EXTREMISM

We, as the young leaders of ASEAN and Youth Leaders of major political parties and alliances of Malaysia and Indonesia, Golkar, Partai Bulan Bintang, and Pakatan Rakyat Youth Wing; strongly condemn the recent incident of throwing wild-boar heads into two mosques in Malaysia; (Masjid Jumhuriyah, Taman Datuk Harun in Petaling Jaya and Masjid Al-Imam Al-Tirmizi, Taman Seri Sentosa, Jalan Klang Lama). It is truly an irresponsible act of crime committed by certain factions of the society in Malaysia; those who resorted to racial and dirty politics in order to ignite religious and racial tension.

Over the last three weeks, Malaysia reputation has been tarnished with series of irresponsible attacks towards places of worship throughout the country. Malaysia as part of ASEAN community, is known for its cultural and religious diversity. We are saddened with incidents depicting increasing intolerance. There is a clear and urgent need to address instances of extremism. Seditious statements and provocative actions are counter-productive and would unnecessarily disrupt peace in the region.

We believe as what has been pointed out by H.E Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim in the recent article of Asia Wall Street Journal, there is a pressing need in the Muslim world for a leadership that demonstrates consistency and credibility in our call for justice, fairness and pluralism. This is the moment for us to reject fanaticism and remain calm.

MAKATI CITY, MANILA

SHAMSUL ISKANDAR MOHD AKIN
Youth Chief, People’s Justice Party (Malaysia)

DAVE AKBARSHAH FIKARNO LAKSONO
Youth Chief of AMPI,GOLKAR Party ( Indonesia)

AHMAD TOHA ALMANSUR
General Leader, Indonesian Moslem Youth Movement (Indonesia)

MOHD YUSMADI MOHD YUSOFF
Member of Parliament, Balik Pulau (Malaysia)

SJUKRIANTO Y
Chief of Central Committee GERINDRA Party (Indonesia)

SIM TZE TZIN
State Assemblyman, Pulau Pinang (Malaysia)

FATHURRAHMAN MAHFUDZ
Head of International Affairs, Crescent Star Party (Indonesia)

KAMARULZAMAN MOHD
Secretary of PAS Youth Chief (Malaysia)

ANDI SYAFRANI
Lawyer, Political Consultant and Lecturer State Islamic University Jakarta (Indonesia)