PUTRAJAYA: The authorities are preparing well in advance and on a big scale to respond effectively if the expected heavier rainfall over the next two months brings any disaster.
The logistics alone: 1,775 rescue boats, 20 helicopters and 13 units of Bailey bridges are ready for use.
A total 4,595 evacuation centres had been prepared and 1,182 health personnel were on standby, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.
“I would like to assure the public that the authorities are well prepared should there be floods,” he told reporters after chairing the Management and Disaster Relief Committee meeting yesterday.
Najib said the equipment needed for rescue and relief work would be sent to the flood prone and low-lying areas soon.
“Once the water level rises, the equipment will already be there instead of having people wait for it to be sent after floods have hit,” he said, adding that the public should not worry about aid such as food as there would be sufficient supply.
Other measures include ordering the Drainage and Irrigation Department to continue deepening the riverbeds as well as directing government-owned media organisations to frequently flash out weather information.
Najib said floods would be unavoidable as calculations by the Meteorological Department had predicted a heavier-than-usual rainfall from next month until January.
Najib said the Government was alerting the public on the possibility of floods to give them time to be prepared, including for evacuations.
Source : The Star
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Obama’s victory raises hopes of a better future for all
TOKYO: In city squares and living rooms, ballrooms and villages, the citizens of the world cheered the election of Barack Obama as US president, ratcheting up hopes that America’s first black commander in chief would herald a more balanced, less confrontational America.
People crowded before TVs or listened to blaring radios for the latest updates. In Sydney, Australians filled a hotel ballroom. In Rio, Brazilians partied on the beach. In the town of Obama, in Japan, dancers cheered in delight when their namesake’s victory was declared.
People the world over – many of them in countries where the idea of a minority being elected leader is unthinkable – expressed amazement and satisfaction that the United States could overcome centuries of racial strife and elect an African-American – and one with Hussein as a middle name – as president.
“What an inspiration. He is the first truly global US president the world has ever had,” said Pracha Kanjananont, a 29-year-old Thai sitting at a Starbuck’s in Bangkok. “He had an Asian childhood, African parentage and has a Middle Eastern name. He is a truly global president.”
In an interconnected world where people in its farthest reaches could monitor the presidential race blow-by-blow, many observers echoed Obama’s own campaign mantra as they struggled to put into words their sense that his election marked an important turning point.
The magnitude and emotion of the world reaction illustrated the international character of the US presidency. Many look to Washington as the place where the global issues of war and peace, prosperity or crisis, are decided.
“This is an enormous outcome for all of us,” said John Wood, the former New Zealand ambassador to the United States.
Hopes were also high among those critical of President George W. Bush’s policies that an Obama victory would herald a more inclusive, internationally cooperative US approach.
Many cited the Iraq war as the type of blunder Obama was unlikely to repeat.
Indeed, even as they raised expectations, many US-watchers were quick to point out that Obama would have to confront enormous problems once in office: wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, tenacious difficulties in the Middle East and North Korea, a world economy in turmoil.
Some Iraqis, who have suffered through five years of a war ignited by the United States and its allies, said they would believe positive change when they saw it.
Still, many around the world found Obama’s international roots – his father was Kenyan, and he lived four years in Indonesia as a child – compelling and attractive.
Kenya’s President Mwai Kibaki declared a public holiday today in honour of Obama’s election victory, and people across Africa stayed up all night or woke before dawn yesterday to watch the US election results roll in.
“He’s in!” said Rachel Ndimu, 23, a business student who joined hundreds of others at the residence of the US ambassador in Nairobi. “I think this is awesome, and the whole world is backing him.”
In Jakarta, hundreds of students at his former elementary school gathered around a television set to watch as results came in, erupting in cheers when he was declared winner and then pouring into the courtyard where they hugged each other and danced in the rain.
“We’re so proud!” Alsya Nadin, a spunky 10-year-old in pink-framed glasses, said as her classmates chanted “Obama! Obama!”
Meanwhile, the citizens of Obama, Japan, were ecstatic. Dozens of supporters swarmed the stage and joined hands, jumping up and down as they chanted “Obama! Obama! Obama!”
The Obama campaign brought an air of excitement to this normally sleepy seaside town. Local leaders, trying to revive the economy, latched onto the connection as a way to promote tourism. An “Obama for Obama” supporters group attracted 1,500 members.
And then there are the Obama Girls, a hula dance group formed in honour of Obama’s Hawaiian heritage.
“This is great. I followed the election closely on TV. I’m hoping Obama can make the world more peaceful,” said Akino Nakaoji. — AP
Source : The Star
Better future for Malaysian also !
People crowded before TVs or listened to blaring radios for the latest updates. In Sydney, Australians filled a hotel ballroom. In Rio, Brazilians partied on the beach. In the town of Obama, in Japan, dancers cheered in delight when their namesake’s victory was declared.
People the world over – many of them in countries where the idea of a minority being elected leader is unthinkable – expressed amazement and satisfaction that the United States could overcome centuries of racial strife and elect an African-American – and one with Hussein as a middle name – as president.
“What an inspiration. He is the first truly global US president the world has ever had,” said Pracha Kanjananont, a 29-year-old Thai sitting at a Starbuck’s in Bangkok. “He had an Asian childhood, African parentage and has a Middle Eastern name. He is a truly global president.”
In an interconnected world where people in its farthest reaches could monitor the presidential race blow-by-blow, many observers echoed Obama’s own campaign mantra as they struggled to put into words their sense that his election marked an important turning point.
The magnitude and emotion of the world reaction illustrated the international character of the US presidency. Many look to Washington as the place where the global issues of war and peace, prosperity or crisis, are decided.
“This is an enormous outcome for all of us,” said John Wood, the former New Zealand ambassador to the United States.
Hopes were also high among those critical of President George W. Bush’s policies that an Obama victory would herald a more inclusive, internationally cooperative US approach.
Many cited the Iraq war as the type of blunder Obama was unlikely to repeat.
Indeed, even as they raised expectations, many US-watchers were quick to point out that Obama would have to confront enormous problems once in office: wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, tenacious difficulties in the Middle East and North Korea, a world economy in turmoil.
Some Iraqis, who have suffered through five years of a war ignited by the United States and its allies, said they would believe positive change when they saw it.
Still, many around the world found Obama’s international roots – his father was Kenyan, and he lived four years in Indonesia as a child – compelling and attractive.
Kenya’s President Mwai Kibaki declared a public holiday today in honour of Obama’s election victory, and people across Africa stayed up all night or woke before dawn yesterday to watch the US election results roll in.
“He’s in!” said Rachel Ndimu, 23, a business student who joined hundreds of others at the residence of the US ambassador in Nairobi. “I think this is awesome, and the whole world is backing him.”
In Jakarta, hundreds of students at his former elementary school gathered around a television set to watch as results came in, erupting in cheers when he was declared winner and then pouring into the courtyard where they hugged each other and danced in the rain.
“We’re so proud!” Alsya Nadin, a spunky 10-year-old in pink-framed glasses, said as her classmates chanted “Obama! Obama!”
Meanwhile, the citizens of Obama, Japan, were ecstatic. Dozens of supporters swarmed the stage and joined hands, jumping up and down as they chanted “Obama! Obama! Obama!”
The Obama campaign brought an air of excitement to this normally sleepy seaside town. Local leaders, trying to revive the economy, latched onto the connection as a way to promote tourism. An “Obama for Obama” supporters group attracted 1,500 members.
And then there are the Obama Girls, a hula dance group formed in honour of Obama’s Hawaiian heritage.
“This is great. I followed the election closely on TV. I’m hoping Obama can make the world more peaceful,” said Akino Nakaoji. — AP
Source : The Star
Better future for Malaysian also !
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Kempen Budi Bahasa kepada ahli Parlimen..?
Kempen Budi Bahasa menjadi sesuatu yang amat perlu pada masa ini diterapkan terutamanya kepada Ahli-ahli Parlimen kalau mereka sedar dan mahu dihormati akan kedudukan jawatan yang disandang itu. Langkah Menteri Kebudayaan, Kesenian dan Warisan, Datuk Mohd. Shafie Afdal perlulah disambut baik kerana setiap ahli parlimen menjadi contoh terbaik kepada rakyat.
Sungguhpun demikian, sebagai seorang yang telah diamanahkan, orang awam pun dapat memikirkan bahawa ahli Parlimen mereka sebenarnya tidak patut menyuarakan apa yang terbuku di hati secara 'sesedap rasa' aje.
Malu kalau orang kampung tengok nanti !
Sungguhpun demikian, sebagai seorang yang telah diamanahkan, orang awam pun dapat memikirkan bahawa ahli Parlimen mereka sebenarnya tidak patut menyuarakan apa yang terbuku di hati secara 'sesedap rasa' aje.
Malu kalau orang kampung tengok nanti !
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Tun Musa And Umno !
KUALA LUMPUR: Umno is in dire need of a drastic change and young blood with new ideas are the plausible solution, said former deputy prime minister Tun Musa Hitam.
“I understand that the experience of seniors are needed for top posts like president or vice-president, but other than that, they should choose the younger ones,” he said.
Musa said the party had been raising the same issues which were raised 20 or 30 years ago, and bickering about emotional rather than substantial issues, such as the economy.
“Umno is already over 61 years old and is experiencing penyakit tua (old age sickness) which cannot be remedied by senior citizens but rather the younger generation with new ideas,” he said after launching the Bridges “ Dialogues Towards a Culture of Peace forum here yesterday.
He also claimed that Umno was “too introverted” by focusing on its own problems and looking for acceptance among its own members, but not the rakyat, whose perceptions would determine its future.
“It is important for Umno to realise that it has lost its popularity because of public opinion.
“The party has many problems that it cannot rectify, like corruption, accountability issues and abuse of power,” he said.
“The new generation will not accept wholesale what politicians are saying because they don’t accept the politicians,” he said.
Musa believed that certain politicians were fighting for their own benefit rather than for the benefit of the larger community.
Source : The Star
"The nation wants party that is sensitive to their needs and is one step ahead of the citizens thinking.These are hard words, I know, but I will only say it once. When I say it, I mean it and I’ve been thinking long and hard about it." Tun Musa Hitam.
“I understand that the experience of seniors are needed for top posts like president or vice-president, but other than that, they should choose the younger ones,” he said.
Musa said the party had been raising the same issues which were raised 20 or 30 years ago, and bickering about emotional rather than substantial issues, such as the economy.
“Umno is already over 61 years old and is experiencing penyakit tua (old age sickness) which cannot be remedied by senior citizens but rather the younger generation with new ideas,” he said after launching the Bridges “ Dialogues Towards a Culture of Peace forum here yesterday.
He also claimed that Umno was “too introverted” by focusing on its own problems and looking for acceptance among its own members, but not the rakyat, whose perceptions would determine its future.
“It is important for Umno to realise that it has lost its popularity because of public opinion.
“The party has many problems that it cannot rectify, like corruption, accountability issues and abuse of power,” he said.
“The new generation will not accept wholesale what politicians are saying because they don’t accept the politicians,” he said.
Musa believed that certain politicians were fighting for their own benefit rather than for the benefit of the larger community.
Source : The Star
"The nation wants party that is sensitive to their needs and is one step ahead of the citizens thinking.These are hard words, I know, but I will only say it once. When I say it, I mean it and I’ve been thinking long and hard about it." Tun Musa Hitam.
Monday, October 20, 2008
Funds to buy undervalued stocks raised to RM10bil
KUALA LUMPUR: The Government has doubled the amount of money available to buy undervalued stocks to RM10bil and will also continue with its spending to boost the country’s economy.
Finance Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak announced that these two moves were part of the Government’s plan to ensure that the economy would not be affected by the global financial crisis.
“The country is not in a financial crisis and we certainly should not talk ourselves into one,” said Najib during his keynote address at the Khazanah Megatrends Forum yesterday.
However, he warned that the country should brace for a lower economic growth next year in view of the global slowdown.
Among the measures Najib touched on were:
> INJECTION of RM5bil to double the size of Valuecap Sdn Bhd that was set up by the Government in 2003 to invest in undervalued companies;
> REVIEW of some foreign investment committee guidelines to make it more attractive for foreign investors, especially in the property and commercial sectors;
> LIBERALISATION of the service sector to attract more investment and generate more local employment;
> RE-PRIORITISING projects with focus on those that can be implemented expeditiously and with high economic multiplier effects; and
> STRENGTHENING of small and medium-scale enterprises through new initiatives by financial institutions and access to special Bank Negara funds.
On Valuecap, Najib said the funds were being pumped in given the current opportunities for value investing.
“The stock market has many fundamentally strong companies. Many companies are presently trading at attractive valuations, creating opportunities for value investing.”
On re-prioritising projects, Najib said some “lumpy projects” with little economic multiplier effects could be postponed but promised that the Government would continue with its spending.
“The planned expenditure for 2009 will continue and there will be no financial cutbacks. This position was agreed upon by the National Economic Council executive council under the chairmanship of the Prime Minister.”
He said short-term measures to tackle external financial turmoil should not come at the expense of the country’s long-term development and global competitiveness.
Source : The Star
Finance Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak announced that these two moves were part of the Government’s plan to ensure that the economy would not be affected by the global financial crisis.
“The country is not in a financial crisis and we certainly should not talk ourselves into one,” said Najib during his keynote address at the Khazanah Megatrends Forum yesterday.
However, he warned that the country should brace for a lower economic growth next year in view of the global slowdown.
Among the measures Najib touched on were:
> INJECTION of RM5bil to double the size of Valuecap Sdn Bhd that was set up by the Government in 2003 to invest in undervalued companies;
> REVIEW of some foreign investment committee guidelines to make it more attractive for foreign investors, especially in the property and commercial sectors;
> LIBERALISATION of the service sector to attract more investment and generate more local employment;
> RE-PRIORITISING projects with focus on those that can be implemented expeditiously and with high economic multiplier effects; and
> STRENGTHENING of small and medium-scale enterprises through new initiatives by financial institutions and access to special Bank Negara funds.
On Valuecap, Najib said the funds were being pumped in given the current opportunities for value investing.
“The stock market has many fundamentally strong companies. Many companies are presently trading at attractive valuations, creating opportunities for value investing.”
On re-prioritising projects, Najib said some “lumpy projects” with little economic multiplier effects could be postponed but promised that the Government would continue with its spending.
“The planned expenditure for 2009 will continue and there will be no financial cutbacks. This position was agreed upon by the National Economic Council executive council under the chairmanship of the Prime Minister.”
He said short-term measures to tackle external financial turmoil should not come at the expense of the country’s long-term development and global competitiveness.
Source : The Star
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Terima kasih Kerajaan ini !
Kerajaan menurunkan lagi harga bahan api sebanyak 15 sen bagi petrol dan 20 sen bagi diesel, iaitu penurunan kali ketiga dalam tempoh tidak sampai tiga bulan.
Dengan penurunan harga minyak hari ini, bermakna dalam tempoh tidak sampai tiga bulan kerajaan telah menurunkan harga petrol sebanyak 40 sen seliter berbanding harga RM2.70 seliter pada Jun lalu.
Dalam tempoh yang sama, harga diesel pula telah mengalami penurunan 38 sen berbanding RM2.58 sen seliter ketika harga minyak dinaikkan Jun lalu.
Dalam satu langkah untuk mengurangkan beban rakyat dan menyelaraskan harga bahan api di Malaysia dengan penurunan harga minyak di pasaran dunia, kerajaan mengumumkan harga baru petrol dan diesel itu akan berkuat kuasa esok.
Perdana Menteri, Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi dalam satu kenyataan berkata, mulai esok harga runcit petrol RON97 dikurangkan 15 sen iaitu daripada RM2.45 seliter kepada RM2.30 seliter.
Harga diesel diturunkan sebanyak 20 sen seliter daripada RM2.40 seliter kepada RM2.20seliter manakala pada masa sama, harga petrol RON92 pula dikurangkan sebanyak 10 sen seliter daripada RM2.30 seliter kepada RM2.20 seliter.
Abdullah berkata, kerajaan membuat keputusan mempercepatkan pengurangan harga runcit bahan api berikutan harga minyak dunia telah menurun dengan ketara akhir-akhir ini.
“Penurunan itu juga bagi membolehkan orang ramai menikmatinya dengan lebih segera,'' kata Perdana Menteri dalam satu kenyataan di sini hari ini.
Harga minyak di pasaran dunia kini berlegar sekitar AS$77 dan AS$80 setong berbanding hampir AS$140 setong pada Mei lalu.
Perdana Menteri berkata, harga baru petrol dan diesel itu merupakan pelarasan harga ketiga dilakukan sejak kerajaan menaikkan harga minyak buat pertama kalinya pada pertengahan tahun ini.
Ketika itu harga petrol ditetapkan pada RM2.70 seliter manakala diesel RM2.58 seliter.
Selari dengan penurunan harga minyak mentah dunia, kerajaan membuat pelarasan pertama pada 23 Ogos lalu menyaksikan pengurangan harga sebanyak 15 sen daripada RM2.70 seliter kepada RM2.55.
Bulan lalu, kerajaan menurunkan lagi harga petrol sebanyak 10 sen menjadikan harga runcit petrol RM2.45.
Menteri Perdagangan Dalam Negeri dan Hal Ehwal Pengguna, Datuk Shahrir Samad baru- baru ini berkata, kerajaan mungkin dapat menurunkan harga petrol ke paras RM1.92 seliter jika harga minyak di pasaran dunia jatuh di bawah paras AS$72 setong.
Sumber : Utusan
Dengan penurunan harga minyak hari ini, bermakna dalam tempoh tidak sampai tiga bulan kerajaan telah menurunkan harga petrol sebanyak 40 sen seliter berbanding harga RM2.70 seliter pada Jun lalu.
Dalam tempoh yang sama, harga diesel pula telah mengalami penurunan 38 sen berbanding RM2.58 sen seliter ketika harga minyak dinaikkan Jun lalu.
Dalam satu langkah untuk mengurangkan beban rakyat dan menyelaraskan harga bahan api di Malaysia dengan penurunan harga minyak di pasaran dunia, kerajaan mengumumkan harga baru petrol dan diesel itu akan berkuat kuasa esok.
Perdana Menteri, Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi dalam satu kenyataan berkata, mulai esok harga runcit petrol RON97 dikurangkan 15 sen iaitu daripada RM2.45 seliter kepada RM2.30 seliter.
Harga diesel diturunkan sebanyak 20 sen seliter daripada RM2.40 seliter kepada RM2.20seliter manakala pada masa sama, harga petrol RON92 pula dikurangkan sebanyak 10 sen seliter daripada RM2.30 seliter kepada RM2.20 seliter.
Abdullah berkata, kerajaan membuat keputusan mempercepatkan pengurangan harga runcit bahan api berikutan harga minyak dunia telah menurun dengan ketara akhir-akhir ini.
“Penurunan itu juga bagi membolehkan orang ramai menikmatinya dengan lebih segera,'' kata Perdana Menteri dalam satu kenyataan di sini hari ini.
Harga minyak di pasaran dunia kini berlegar sekitar AS$77 dan AS$80 setong berbanding hampir AS$140 setong pada Mei lalu.
Perdana Menteri berkata, harga baru petrol dan diesel itu merupakan pelarasan harga ketiga dilakukan sejak kerajaan menaikkan harga minyak buat pertama kalinya pada pertengahan tahun ini.
Ketika itu harga petrol ditetapkan pada RM2.70 seliter manakala diesel RM2.58 seliter.
Selari dengan penurunan harga minyak mentah dunia, kerajaan membuat pelarasan pertama pada 23 Ogos lalu menyaksikan pengurangan harga sebanyak 15 sen daripada RM2.70 seliter kepada RM2.55.
Bulan lalu, kerajaan menurunkan lagi harga petrol sebanyak 10 sen menjadikan harga runcit petrol RM2.45.
Menteri Perdagangan Dalam Negeri dan Hal Ehwal Pengguna, Datuk Shahrir Samad baru- baru ini berkata, kerajaan mungkin dapat menurunkan harga petrol ke paras RM1.92 seliter jika harga minyak di pasaran dunia jatuh di bawah paras AS$72 setong.
Sumber : Utusan
Monday, October 13, 2008
Islam, AS perlu fokus faktor penyatuan
KUALA LUMPUR 13 Okt. - Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi menggesa dunia Islam dan Barat mengalihkan fokus kepada perkara yang boleh menyatukan mereka agar jurang yang wujud selama ini dapat diatasi.
Perdana Menteri berkata, daripada hanya menumpukan kepada soal perbezaan, pemimpin dari kedua-dua dunia itu sepatutnya memberikan tumpuan kepada isu-isu yang dapat menyatukan mereka.
"Agak jelas kepada saya bahawa dalam mendamaikan Amerika Syarikat (AS) atau Barat dengan dunia Islam kita tidak seharusnya melihat kepada penyelesaian terhadap perkara yang menjadi jurang sahaja sebaliknya ia perlu turut melibatkan faktor- faktor yang menyatukan.
"Dengan hanya menyelesaikan satu isu dan mengabaikan isu yang satu lagi tidak akan membawa kita ke mana-mana," katanya ketika menyampaikan ucaptama pada Forum Serantau Amerika Syarikat (AS) dan Dunia Islam di sini hari ini.
Forum dua hari bermula hari ini yang dihadiri kira-kira 100 peserta dari dalam dan luar negara itu bertujuan membincangkan isu-isu yang relevan antara kedua-dua dunia.
Sementara itu, Abdullah berkata, dunia Barat dan Islam seharusnya cuba berkongsi aspek yang menjadi persamaan bagi menjadikan usaha merapatkan jurang lebih efektif.
"Kita perlu fokus pada banyak prinsip dan perkara yang menjadi kepentingan bersama.
"Kita mesti elakkan kecenderungan untuk berfikir yang kita merupakan satu-satunya penjaga kepada apa yang baik, manakala lainnya tinggal di dunia yang gelap dan sengsara," tegasnya.
Abdullah berkata, sebagai contoh, walaupun daripada segi sejarah, penduduk Islam di Asia Tenggara pernah dijajah oleh kuasa Barat namun mereka menerima keadaan pada masa lalu itu dengan hati terbuka.
"Apabila kita nilai keadaan hubungan antara negara penduduk majoriti Islam di Asia Tenggara dengan AS dan negara Barat yang lain pada hari ini, kita kurang dibebani jurang itu sebaliknya menjalin hubungan yang baik dengan mereka.
"Ini dapat dilihat bagaimana AS dan Eropah merupakan antara rakan dagang dan pelabur paling penting bagi Indonesia, Malaysia dan Brunei," katanya.
Kata Abdullah, jurang antara dua dunia ini sebenarnya lebih terarah kepada faktor politik dan bukannya kerana agama.
"Sebahagian besar disebabkan faktor politik, seperti isu Palestin dan pencerobohan di Iraq, yang kekal menjadi duri bagi hubungan kedua-dua pihak selagi ia berlarutan," ujarnya.
Sumber : Utusan
Perdana Menteri berkata, daripada hanya menumpukan kepada soal perbezaan, pemimpin dari kedua-dua dunia itu sepatutnya memberikan tumpuan kepada isu-isu yang dapat menyatukan mereka.
"Agak jelas kepada saya bahawa dalam mendamaikan Amerika Syarikat (AS) atau Barat dengan dunia Islam kita tidak seharusnya melihat kepada penyelesaian terhadap perkara yang menjadi jurang sahaja sebaliknya ia perlu turut melibatkan faktor- faktor yang menyatukan.
"Dengan hanya menyelesaikan satu isu dan mengabaikan isu yang satu lagi tidak akan membawa kita ke mana-mana," katanya ketika menyampaikan ucaptama pada Forum Serantau Amerika Syarikat (AS) dan Dunia Islam di sini hari ini.
Forum dua hari bermula hari ini yang dihadiri kira-kira 100 peserta dari dalam dan luar negara itu bertujuan membincangkan isu-isu yang relevan antara kedua-dua dunia.
Sementara itu, Abdullah berkata, dunia Barat dan Islam seharusnya cuba berkongsi aspek yang menjadi persamaan bagi menjadikan usaha merapatkan jurang lebih efektif.
"Kita perlu fokus pada banyak prinsip dan perkara yang menjadi kepentingan bersama.
"Kita mesti elakkan kecenderungan untuk berfikir yang kita merupakan satu-satunya penjaga kepada apa yang baik, manakala lainnya tinggal di dunia yang gelap dan sengsara," tegasnya.
Abdullah berkata, sebagai contoh, walaupun daripada segi sejarah, penduduk Islam di Asia Tenggara pernah dijajah oleh kuasa Barat namun mereka menerima keadaan pada masa lalu itu dengan hati terbuka.
"Apabila kita nilai keadaan hubungan antara negara penduduk majoriti Islam di Asia Tenggara dengan AS dan negara Barat yang lain pada hari ini, kita kurang dibebani jurang itu sebaliknya menjalin hubungan yang baik dengan mereka.
"Ini dapat dilihat bagaimana AS dan Eropah merupakan antara rakan dagang dan pelabur paling penting bagi Indonesia, Malaysia dan Brunei," katanya.
Kata Abdullah, jurang antara dua dunia ini sebenarnya lebih terarah kepada faktor politik dan bukannya kerana agama.
"Sebahagian besar disebabkan faktor politik, seperti isu Palestin dan pencerobohan di Iraq, yang kekal menjadi duri bagi hubungan kedua-dua pihak selagi ia berlarutan," ujarnya.
Sumber : Utusan
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