University of Western Sydney – 4-6 November 2009

 

The President of the Australian Federation of Islamic Councils, Mr Ikebal Adam Patel informed  that the three day Seminar on Development of Muslim Community : Challenges and Opportunities organised by Islamic Education Scientific Cultural Organisation in cooperation with Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Kuwait in coordination with the Australian Federation of Islamic Councils and Jamiyah Singapore was a major success.

 

The Conference was attended by a number of dignitaries, academics, community leaders and students.The guests of honour were Hon. Laurie Ferguson and Hon. Julie Owens, who expressed complete support to the Muslim Community and appreciated the contribution made by Muslims in Australia.

 

Mr Patel said that the Australian Federation of Islamic Councils is trying its best to unite the ethnic and culturally diverse Islamic Community under the banner of Muslims Australia but the comments made by Christian Democrat MP, Reverend Fred Nile in preparation of the campaign for his federal seat of Bradfield does not help the cause and are in no way befitting someone who claims to be a representative of one of the great religions of the world, or in fact of a Reverend.

 

Reverend Nile has a history of bringing up such issues before elections but one expects that the average Australian and New South Wales voter is much more astute than to fall for this ploy.

 

Instead of looking at some of the very positive contributions that the Australian Muslims have made over some 150 years in Australia, Reverend Nile still wants to impose his bigoted and divisive values on others, without adding any value to the lives of ordinary Australians.

 

Mr Patel added that he was also dismayed at the outrageous publication of Mustafa Hamid who is purported to be a senior Al Qa’ida Member which says “join Muslim Asia or Perish”. Mr Patel said that all Muslims in Australia condemn and reject those views.

 

Mr Patel further added that the media attention was helping to perpetuate such individuals and views and called upon the media not to provide publicity to such views. He said that the former British Prime Minister Mrs Margaret Thatcher had astutely advised the media that extremists were thriving on publicity and if this publicity was denied extremism could easily be arrested.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For further details contact: Mr Ikebal Patel (Chairman) 0419 418 237