MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, JAKARTA — President Muhammadiyah Haedar Nashir congratulated Malaysia on its Independence Day in a meeting with Malaysian Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim. Haedar also thanked for the permission granted to establish Universiti Muhammadiyah Malaysia (UMAM) in Perlis and discussed possible multisector cooperation.
Haedar mentioned Anwar Ibrahim has played significant roles in the establishment of Muhammadiyah before he became a prime minister. Indeed, Anwar Ibrahim was an Islamic movement activist well-acquainted with Muhammadiyah and its leaders.
“We would like to found other Muhammadiyah educational institutions, early childhood education and primary school, so we are looking forward to your support and permission besides preparing the school establishment according to Malaysian regulations,” said Haedar to Anwar Ibrahim.
Muhammadiyah also aspires to expand partnerships with the Malaysian government and private sectors.
“In particular, we wish for collaboration in economy since it becomes a huge issues confronted by Muslims in Indonesia, Malaysia, and the other ASEAN countries,” said Haedar.
The cooperation will be a stepping stone for Muslims to rahmatan lil ‘alamin (the mercy to the whole world).
Having shared history and ideological alignment, Haedar hoped that Malaysian and Indonesian governments could mutually empower Muslims in both nations to foster collaboration and unity.
“We need to establish connections within modernist Muslim movements to ensure that Malaysian and Indonesian Islam continues to shape the future of both nations,” said Haedar.
As welcoming the ASEAN Summit, Muhammadiyah hopes Indonesia and Malaysia will enhance their cooperation, fostering a strong partnership in Southeast Asia and worldwide. The Indonesia-Malaysia partnership may bolster political, economic, social, cultural, and religious development.
As countries with the world’s largest Muslim populations, Malaysia and Indonesia hold significant roles in advancing global unity and peace. Together with fellow Muslim nations like Turkey, they are viewed as essential and collaborative forces amidst intricate geopolitical changes.
“The world requires the values of religion, especially Islam, as a wellspring of grace, cultivating peace, unity, and progress in life, transcending global political and economic rivalries. I’m confident that the influence of the Muslim paradigm can be a fresh and transformative force,” said Haedar.
Furthermore, Anwar Ibrahim fondly recalled his meetings with prominent Indonesian Muslim figures and commended the collaboration of the young Indonesian-Malaysian axis movement. He encouraged Muhammadiyah to lead through training and other initiatives.
“Malaysian Prime Minister expects Muhammadiyah to take the lead in initiating, uniting, and fostering collaboration among young individuals in Malaysia and Indonesia. When it comes to the role of the Islamic world, unity with fellow Muslim nations is paramount, and Malaysia has been steadily advancing in this regard. I firmly believe that this process cannot be hurried but demands a systematic and enduring approach.
Following this meeting, further discussions will take place in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, to delve into collaboration, cooperation, and communication between Malaysia and Muhammadiyah.
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