Western countries have fuelled international terrorism through the invasion of Iraq and their stand on the Palestinians, Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said today.

Abdullah, who is chairperson of the 57-nation Organisation of the Islamic Conference (OIC) and the 116-member Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), made the charge in a two-hour speech to his ruling party's national assembly.

He urged Muslims to reject the use of terrorism, saying it contravened the teachings of Islam, while criticising the West for "the increasing prejudice against Muslims worldwide".

"We must reject violence that targets innocent civilians. Similarly, violence that is caused by any party, be it nations or militant groups, cannot be accepted," he said.

"The term 'jihad' (struggle) should not be misused and should not be misinterpreted to justify terrorism. Such actions only serve to tarnish the teachings of Islam. Islam does not permit such violence. If unchecked, such cruelty will benefit no one."

Efforts to prevent terrorism should address the root causes, he told delegates to the conference of Umno.

"Malaysia will work to convince the countries of the West in particular, to reassess and change their policies in the Middle East.

"Their stand on the Palestinian issue and their actions in contravening international law, such as the invasion of Iraq are factors that fuel acts of terror."

Shatter the prejudice

In an obvious reference to the United States, Abdullah said: "There is unease around the world that a single country dominates all the military, economic, political and cultural dimensions of power."

He called on Muslim nations to help in the reconstruction of Iraq, warning that if they do not a country which was once "a symbol of Islam's greatness ... will be rebuilt in the mould and under the influence of others."

Reconstruction efforts should take place under the supervision of the United Nations, which should be strengthened and given a key role in fighting the war on terror, Abdullah said.

He called for greater unity among the members of the OIC, the world's biggest Islamic grouping.

"Collectively, the OIC must shatter the increasing prejudice against Muslims worldwide. The international community must stop equating Islam with violence, poverty and indignity.

"The OIC must address the issues that are contributing to the growing schism between the Muslim world and the West," he said.