PM Says Islam Hadhari Attracting Increasing Interest Overseas
Bernama – 10/5/2006
KUALA LUMPUR - Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said Islam Hadhari (Civilisational Islam) which he has promoted is attracting increasing interest in the international community.

He said this interest was evident among the people he met in his visits to Australia, the United States, Britain, India, Pakistan and countries in the Middle East. When he was in Austin, Texas recently for the World Congress on Information Technology, he said, he met 11 executives of large companies and had the opportunity to explain Islam Hadhari to them.

"After I gave my explanation, they applauded spontaneously and offered their appreciation. One of them said Islam Hadhari is a good idea and he was confident people everywhere would listen if I were to talk about it," he said at the presentation of prizes to winners of Islam Hadhari's Perdana Oratory Competition at Putra World Trade Centre here Tuesday night.

"That was a good response," he said. Abdullah said Islam Hadhari also attracted Australians. He said an Imam in Australia had spread his speech on Islam Hadhari in the country and it was well received with many wanting to get their hands on a copy of the speech.

"Muslims ask... but non-Muslims want to read and know more," he said.

Abdullah also wanted the information campaign on Islam Hadhari to be stepped up among Malaysian students overseas so that they could understand better the concept.

Islam Hadhari has 10 principles among others a fair and just government, quality life and a balanced and comprehensive economic development. The competition was organised by the Umno's Information Bureau and Religious Bureau. Each of the 10 participant were allowed to speak on one of the 10 principles.

The participant from Seremban, Negeri Sembilan, Syamsul Amri Ismail who spoke on the need for strong defence won the first place and bagged a cash prize of RM5,000, trophy, certificate and an umrah package.
Source: www.bernama.com