PM rejects call for OIC nations to quit UN
Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi has dismissed calls from within Umno for Muslim countries to quit the United Nations over its inability to force a ceasefire in Lebanon.
His comments come ahead of a meeting in Kuala Lumpur Thursday of key members of the Organisation of the Islamic Conference (OIC), the world's largest Muslim grouping, to discuss the escalating Middle East crisis.
The Star newspaper yesterday said that Umno Youth had called for OIC countries to withdraw from the UN in protest over the United States' veto on ceasefire calls.
"I reckon that the OIC members will not pull out of the UN because the organisation can play an active role in raising issues in the world body," Abdullah told the daily.
The prime minister said it was important for the 57 OIC members to remain in the UN so that developing countries were well-represented.
'We did nothing'
The Foreign Ministry said yesterday that the leaders of eight Muslim nations, including Bangladesh and Indonesia, were confirmed as attending the August 3 OIC meeting. Iran has said it is also attending.
Malaysia is the current chair of the Saudi Arabia-based OIC, but in his latest stinging attack on his handpicked successor Abdullah, former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad has reportedly lambasted its performance in the role.
"Our time as host and leader to the OIC is almost up. But unfortunately, during three years as leader, we didn't do anything," Mahathir was quoted as telling a political meeting in Kelantan by malaysiakini .
He said that Malaysia - which is seeking to reach developed status by 2020 - could not be viewed as a modern Islamic country capable of setting an example and leading the Muslim world.
Israel launched its offensive against Lebanon on July 12 after Hezbollah, which is supported by Iran and its main regional ally Syria, seized two Israeli soldiers in a deadly raid.
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