KUALA LUMPUR, May 2 (Bernama) -- Media practitioners from Arab countries welcomed the proposal to set up an international Islamic journalism centre, which they say can change the perception of the world toward Muslims and Islamic countries.
The idea to establish the centre was mooted by the Information Minister Datuk Zainuddin Maidin when opening a workshop for 23 journalists from 15 Arabic-speaking nations here Tuesday.
The five-day workshop organised by Bernama and Unesco with support from the Information Ministry is attended by newspaper, news agency and radio/television representatives from Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Morocco, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Tunisia, Turkey, United Arab Emirates and Yemen.
Al Jazirah Daily editor from Saudi Arabia, Mohammad Abdul Aziz Al-Faisal, said the centre that would enable journalists from Islamic countries to assemble and exchange views, would bring great benefits.
"It will enhance the boldness and spirit of journalists from Islamic countries to raise issues on Islam which are relevant to the current situation," he told Bernama.
"When journalists gather in one place, they will have an opportunity to know their colleagues from other countries more deeply and this will instill deeper understanding among the ummah," he said.
Qatari News Agency executive director Abdullah A. Rahman Al-Muzaffar said the centre which could also involve journalists from non-Islamic countries, could change foreign perceptions towards the Islamic world.
"Presently, there are many misconceptions about the ummah, and Islamic world was often linked to terrorism.
"Through the centre, we can give the true perspective on the peace-loving Islamic world to non-Muslim journalists that will participate in its programmes," he said.
Abdullah said he would forward the proposal to his government and suggested for the centre to be initiated by the Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC).
He said with the OIC's involvement, the centre could play its role more effectively because it would be supported by all Islamic countries.
Karbala Radio TV journalist from Iraq, Nawras Hussin Kazraq, meanwhile, commended the effort by Bernama and Unesco to hold the workshop for Arabic-speaking journalists.
She said the workshop, held for the first time, enabled journalists from Arab countries to share their experience with their Malaysian counterpart.
"The media in this country which operates in a multi-racial community, has played its role well by producing news that successfully promote understanding among the various races.
"I believe many of my colleagues from Arab countries are interested to come here and know more about Malaysia's success as a peaceful and progressive Islamic country," she said.
