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Moro delegates outspoken in ICMYL |
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Written by Samira Ali Gutoc
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Friday, 10 October 2003 |
No Muslim minority as there could be statistical genocide. This and other striking statements came from the Philippine delegates who actively participated in the International Conference of Muslim Young Leaders (ICMYL) in Kuala Lumpur last September 14-16. Some 100 young Muslims from more than 60 countries, including those with "minority" Muslims attended the "historic Islamic event."
"Could you call the Philippine Muslims a minority when there are 10 million of them?" asked Warina Jukuy, editor in chief of Sulu's Jihad al-Akbar. The Philippines, holds the distinction of being the "only" Christian country in Southeast Asia. It has a population of 75 million but the statistics of the number on Muslims is limited to 3 million (same number being used since the 70s), prompting some Muslim activists to interpret this as "intentional" on the part of government, thus a "statistical genocide."
Since day 1 in the conference orientation, Philippine delegates queried if the conference could tackle political issues of the Ummah (community) since the theme of the event focused on the challenges of the Ummah. One foreign delegate took note that no Palestine delegate was present. "Islam is wholistic, and does not only focus on education and economics. Politics matter too," said Jukuy. But conference convenor Dr. Nor Abdullah in response told delegates to focus on economics and education as "we can't do much about politics in countries."
This writer proposed that the conference be "participative" by involving more reactions and inputs from the floor than just a select few speakers, as contained in the program's open forum. She also suggested a website, with the conference resolutions and proceedings as a concrete output of the conference so that "other Muslims may benefit." The conference showcased a table of youth initiatives, as proposed by the Philippine delegates. "Malaysia and others may also learn from the success stories of other Muslim youth such as in the Philippines," said this writer, who displayed pictures, posters and publications of the Young Moro Professionals (YMP) with its top Muslim mind website, bangsamoro.com. The other Philippine delegate was Mohammad Abbas, student regent of the Mindanao State University (MSU).
"While we are sitting here in this air-conditioned hall, the more I feel the poverty outside," said Jukuy, eliciting claps from the audience. The controversial statements of Philippine delegates have merited interviews from local media and even BBC. Jukuy was selected to represent Asia and be among 7 young speakers in the closing ceremonies, with PM Muhammad as guest. "Without the Philippines (delegates), the conference wouldn't have been meaningful," said the vocal Togo delegate to the Philippine delegation.
Philippine delegates, led by ARMM Trade Secretary Ishak Mastura, raised the following questions, among others, during the session:
- if Malaysia would support the formation of the Inter-religious council in the United Nations
- how the Sultanates and traditional leaders can help in community development
- how Malaysia would help resolve conflicts such as those in the Philippines
The Philippine delegates declared their support for the creation of the World Muslim Economic Foundation (WMEF), which will provide scholarships, exposure and trainings to needy youth. They lobbied to the Malaysian officials present, such as the Defense Minister, Minister of Education, Special Adviser to the Economic Ministry and the host, Foundation for Activators Vision to support the education needs of Moro youth. They gave a paper on "Federalism" written by Education Usec. Macapanton Abbas to the Prime Minister Mohammad and rector of the International Islamic University, Kamal Hassan. Hassan told Philippine chief delegate Ishak Mastura that he knew Ishak's father, the renowned academic, Atty. Michael Mastura, who was also member of the GRP-MILF peace talks.
In a letter given to the Prime Minister along with a book on Mindanao published by the Asian Institute of Management, the Philippine delegates asked the Malaysian government, through Prime Minister Mahathir Mohammad to support the Philippine bid for an observer status in the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC), while giving attention to the plight of detained MNLF chair Nur Misuari. The MNLF is the recognized representative of the Bangsamoro in the OIC since the 1970s. The Philippine delegates also asked that the Malaysian government look into the plight of the Filipino refugees who are being booted out of Sabah. They also thanked the Malaysian government for hosting the GRP-MILF peace talks and sponsoring four delegates to attend the ICMYL event.
The Philippine delegates were also invited to meet the Moros in the International Islamic University (IIU) campus but were not able to do so due to the conference schedule. Jukuy will attend another related conference in Malaysia on the OIC on October 14. She initiated an e-group among the ICMYL delegates.
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