British MP Praises Malaysia for Global Peace Effort
Bernama – 22 December 2005
KUALA LUMPUR -- Malaysia is in a good position to tell to the world that Muslims were not at war with the world but rather the powerful that are at belligerent to many people in the Muslim world, a Member of the British Parliament, George Galloway said Thursday. He said Malaysia could bring the message to the world because it was well known in championing for world peace through its leaders such as former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
"We have to tell the world and I think Malaysia is in a good position to present that kind of thought," he said when delivering a public lecture on "The New World Order" at the International Islamic University Malaysia, here Thursday.Galloway, the only MP of Britain's Respect Party, a new political party formed in January 2004, said Islam was not the problem in the world.
"Religions are not the problem in the world. Great religions outlaw killing, greed and exploitation.But these are the things that ruled us and that's why we have to change," said the former Labour Party MP.He was expelled form the party in October 2003 after allegedly bringing the party into disrepute over the 2003 invasion of Iraq. He was returned to Parliament as the Respect's candidate in the 2005 general election.

Galloway, who has been actively involved in the struggle for global justice and peace, criticised Muslim leaders in some countries by saying that if the Muslim societies had behaved as true Muslims, the world would be a better place to live in.

On the other hand Galloway spoke highly of Dr Mahathir. He said: "When I look up at Dr Mahathir and look at all Muslims leaders and listen to Dr Mahathir and listen to all other Muslim leaders, you're lucky to be in this country than in any other part of the world.

"I think Dr Mahathir has been an under used asset for the last few years but as now he is no longer running Malaysia, Malaysia's loss is the world's gain."
He wished Malaysia had a television station called "Al Mahathir" so that the leader could speak to the world about his opinions on issues.
Like Dr Mahathir, Galloway, who is known for his vigorous campaign to overturn economic sanctions against Iraq before its invasion, called for the world to fight against the US dollar hegemony and replace it with the Euro currency.
Source: BERNAMA | www.bernama.com