By the New Straits Times
June 11, 2008
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia and Norway will co-chair a steering committee to ensure proposed projects aimed at bridging the gap between the Muslim world and the West can be implemented effectively.
Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Rais Yatim said several appointments would also be made from other countries to sit in the committee.
“First we will ask the Muslim countries for volunteers to be with us,” he said after closing the conference yesterday.
He said the conference had decided to form the steering committee to oversee the efforts in executing the projects.
Rais said the proposed projects were to be compiled in a chairman’s report which would be brought to the attention of various quarters including the United Nations, Alliance of Civilisation, the Organisation of Islamic Countries, and governments.
In the chairman’s report of the outcome of the 3rd conference, it stated in broad terms that the participants of the strategy session had agreed that bridging the divide could be accomplished by strengthening educational programmes; encouraging intra and inter-faith dialogue in action and empowering women as well as youths.
They also believed that it was necessary to build civil society, develop effective media outreach and promote religious interpretations that lead to constructive engagements.
Rais said he would also seek the cabi-net’s approval to bring up the issue of fuel price hike ahead of the OIC meeting in Kampala, Uganda.