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Alas, Muslims aren’t united. Furthermore, Muslims do not know how to prioritize issues. Which problems are important and which are petty. So, that sets us on the wrong track.
Imran Imtiaz Shah Yacob is a trained lawyer and Malaysian political commentator. He writes for numerous international newspapers and online journals as well as hosts Face to Face, an interview segment of Malaysian/regional issues and personalities hosted on Malaysia Today. He also serves as Foreign Correspondent for foreign news organisations.
Mr. Muhammad Umar is the chairman of Ramadhan Foundation, www.ramadhanfoundation.com , the UK's leading Muslim youth organisation, founding member of Ramadhan Trust and Chief Patron of the Happy Home Trust. Muhammad Umar made history by becoming the youngest person to be invited on BBC’s Hard Talk to discuss the aftermath of the 7th July 2005 terrorist attacks in London and the way forward in tackling the evils of extremism and terrorism. A leading light for young Muslims in the UK in challenging times, Face to Face gets the opinions of this ‘voice’ of the Muslim youth. 
1. Imran Imtiaz Shah Yacob: Tell us about the Ramadhan Foundation?
Muhammad Umar: Well, in short we aim to build bridges across communities. We seek to present Islam in the best light as it should be. We believe that we can offer a positive image of Islam in a professional manner in line with the Islamic Heritage.
2. Imran Imtiaz Shah Yacob: Would you like to share some of the interesting events that you may have planned?
Muhammad Umar: Yes, In fact we are to participate in a debate to be held at Oxford this coming Saturday, 28th June on the motion is ‘’Islamic Theology & The War on Terror are Jointly Responsible for Muslim Extremism in the UK’? I will be debating against the motion, that Islam is not a factor in terrorism. I believe that Islam is pure and that the problem really is that Islam is truly misrepresented. For this predicament, Muslims themselves are to be blamed as at times they interpret Islam wrongly or at convenience. Worst still when implementation of Islamic decrees is done in a haphazard and way that is based on ignorance of scholarly work.
3. Imran Imtiaz Shah Yacob: You were in Malaysia recently, and so what’s your objective impression of Malaysian politics?
Muhammad Umar: Yes, I loved my short visit here as always. You know, Malaysia is a former colony of Great Britain. So, politics here has many similarities from that in the UK. However, I’d like to point out here that Malaysians by far and large I find are politically savvy. Most Malaysians, whom I have met have strong political views and either support one leader or another. To me this is real political consciousness going on here in Malaysia. I also find it refreshing to see that Malaysian leaders are very accessible to their people. I mean, one has a better chance to meet leaders here in Malaysia as compared to the UK. Malaysian leaders are also remarkably in touch with the ground. Politicians like Tun Dr. Mahathir, Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir and others I’m sure are in constant contact with the masses. This is unlike politics in the UK where most Brits either don’t really care about politics per se or hate their leaders. British subjects have little respect for any of our politicians.
4. Imran Imtiaz Shah Yacob: You speak highly of Tun Dr. Mahathir. Did you know that certain quarters (perceived to be close to the present administration) have lambasted the former premier on a number of issues.. Now, what do Muslims overseas/globally think of Malaysia’s political strongman?
Muhammad Umar: Yes, I have read a little on the political spat going on in Malaysia. Let me say this, I reserve any comment about Malaysian politics. Malaysians must determine for themselves where their political path lies. However, as far as the international Muslim community is concerned, we love and respect him. Tun Dr. Mahathir has steadfastly spoken up against western domination in all its forms. Of course he is not a perfect human being, no one is, but let us not deny the many contributions that he has made over twenty-two years. I mean very few leaders in the world can claim to have increased their citizen’s per capita income from 300 USD to 5000 USD annually. My question is, why are people only attacking him now, five years after he has retired and not earlier? It’s really very sad. Especially the many souls that Tun Dr, Mahathir had helped and have now turncoat. In any event, I’m sure Tun Dr. Mahathir can overcome the challenges, he has endured worst things in his political life.
5. Imran Imtiaz Shah Yacob: What’s your observation of Abdullah Badawi?
Muhammad Umar: I have had the privileged to meet him. He is indeed knowledgeable in Islam. It was a pleasure to have met him.
6. Imran Imtiaz Shah Yacob: Malaysia, as you well know is multi-religious and multi-cultural. In your opinion in contrast to your experience in the UK, are non-Muslims / non-Malays in Malaysia being treated unfairly?
Muhammad Umar: Well, I can’t say specifically in Malaysia’s case, but allow me to make this observation. Malaysia in the last twenty years or so hasn’t had any race riots of the scale seen in other parts of the world. Malaysia, has been relatively peaceful and harmonious. One important thing to remember is that in the UK, we do not celebrate the religious or cultural celebrations of others. For example, Muslims, Indians and Chinese celebrate each other’s festivals, be it religious or otherwise as official national holidays. In the UK we do not do this. So actually, Malaysia is a beacon of light in this respect. I feel that Malaysians must unite or it will mean the destruction of this beautiful country. The enemies of Malaysia are just waiting to destroy Malaysia. Put aside all your differences especially on the smaller issues for the better of Malaysia.
7. Imran Imtiaz Shah Yacob: Islam in Malaysia has been scandalized by a great many administrative factors as well as human failings. Are there are any parallels to the UK in this regard?
Muhammad Umar: Let me quote to you what the Chief Minister of Sabah said to me recently. He said that Muslims are disorganized and I couldn’t agree more. Take this example, YouGov a popular survey in the UK estimated that Muslims may be able to affect at least 100 seats in parliament, if they were united and thus the Muslim vote would be a swing vote to determine political events. Alas, Muslims aren’t united. Furthermore, Muslims do not know how to prioritize issues. Which problems are important and which are petty. So, that sets us on the wrong track.
8. Imran Imtiaz Shah Yacob: Islam in South East Asia (SEA) is important to the West only as far as its war on terrorism is concerned, as Washington describes it ‘the second front on terror’. Is this justified? What role do you see Muslims in SEA playing in its relationship with the Western powers?
Muhammad Umar: As far as the issue of terrorism is concerned in the region, it is a fallacy. It is not a major issue but been made out to be a major issue. Malaysia for example is a symbol of success and modernity. SEA nations need to re- examine their relationship with Western powers that is based on greater transparency. By that I mean, the West has set the definition of what constitutes terrorism. Have we had a chance to define it transparently? What about terrorizing Muslims who are against Western influence and domination? What about the armies of the U.S, U.K. and Israel that promotes state-sponsored terrorism? Iraq?
9. Imran Imtiaz Shah Yacob: What about discrimination against Muslims in the UK? Let’s talk about this in light of the newly passed controversial anti-terrorism bill that allows for long periods of detention without trial?
Muhammad Umar: Yes, this law is devastating in its effect. It is illegal and immoral. Very sad indeed. Our civil liberties have been eroded. Winston Churchill fought successfully against fascism without taking away any measure of civil liberties. Law abiding Muslims are discriminated against and this trend is on the rise. Attacks against Muslim communities are on the up and up SADLY.
10. Imran Imtiaz Shah Yacob: The Islamic party (PAS) has as its main aim the creation of an Islamic state. Is this compatible with Islamic theology? Comment?
Muhammad Umar: The teleological debate is lengthy and varied in its views. I can hardly delve into it here. However, what I’d like to put across is that Islam is undoubtedly the main religion of Malaysia. Malaysia also has a delicate balance with British political systems and institutions. So, I think that Malaysia has done well in the balancing act but it must continue to look at the big picture. The pertinent issues must be resolved first such as the economy. Perhaps, Muslims must also take time out and ask themselves why are the non-Muslims wary of Islam and Muslims? Why?
11. Imran Imtiaz Shah Yacob: the initiative of globalization is seen by many to be the reasons behind the economic imbalances in the world today. From an Islamic perspective, what do you think?
Muhammad Umar: Again, we have not been a partner in determining the definition of the term ‘globalization’ itself. I mean, Muslims and the wider world’s interpretation and expectations must be included into what encompasses ‘globalization’. I feel ‘globalization’ must be based on morality. It must have as its thrust the equal if not just distribution of the world’s wealth to all communities. Globalization must not be merely to satisfy profit interests and greed.
12. Imran Imtiaz Shah Yacob: What would you like to say to the Malaysian people?
Muhammad Umar: Please put your differences aside for the future of your nation. To the Muslims of Malaysia-strengthen your community and put aside your political differences that divide you.
Face to Face interviews are conducted by way of email unless otherwise stated.
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"Put aside political difference" - yeah thanks for the great advice. Better you just concentrate on your day job.
And by the way it is not Mahathir responsible for Malaysia's economic success - it was the Malaysian people who did it.
Nice beard tho' , without it you look like Michael Owen and that's not a good image yah.