ISLAMIC LEADERS IN SOUTHERN THAILAND CALL ON OIC DELEGATION TO ESTABLISH PEACE POLICY FOR ISLAMIC NATIONS

PATTANI, June 12 (Bernama) -- Islamic leaders in Southern Thailand have urged the delegation of Ambassadors from the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) countries to Southern Thailand, specifically Pattani, Yala, and Narathiwat, to establish a peace policy for Islamic nations to resolve conflicts in other Muslim-majority countries.

The President of the Islamic Council of Pattani province, Abdul Rahman Mat Mincik, stated that the peace policy should include a resolution and a pathway to achieving peace.

“For example, the conflict involving the Islamic separatists in Southern Thailand has never been fully resolved and occurs seasonally.

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“We hope that the OIC's visit to Southern Thailand will help address reconciliation issues and misunderstandings across all Islamic countries,” he said.

He made these remarks to reporters during the Official Visit Programme of OIC Ambassadors to Southern Thailand at Central Pattani Mosque.

Abdul Rahman noted that the Muslim community in Southern Thailand agrees that a peace policy is necessary for the welfare of Islam.

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“Alhamdulillah, every year the OIC visits mosques in Southern Thailand to hear reports on reconciliation efforts in the five southern provinces of the country.

“We do not want disputes and misunderstandings in politics, economy, or work matters.

“So, we want to live in a peaceful environment so that the Muslim community in Southern Thailand can enjoy peace without any conflicts,” he said.

Similarly, Deputy President of the Islamic Council of Yala province, Dr Ibrahim Yanya, urged the OIC delegation to pay close attention to the problem of Muslim youths in Southern Thailand engaging in drug trafficking.

“Muslim youths in this region have a bright future, but unfortunately, they are getting involved in this problem.

“I have seen many news reports in Malaysia about these (Muslim) youths (in Southern Thailand) being detained for distributing, smuggling, and also becoming drug addicts,” he said.

Ibrahim stated that the OIC delegation should address this issue and find solutions to curb drug trafficking along the Malaysia-Thailand border.

Meanwhile, touching on the development of mosques in Southern Thailand, Abdul Rahman said that the King of Thailand, King Maha Vajiralongkorn, has significantly contributed to the development of mosques in Pattani.

According to him, the King of Thailand has provided many 'gifts' and directed special bodies to build more mosques in Pattani.

“The King of Thailand supports the efforts of mosque imams in conducting da'wah and programmes related to Islam.

“Every year, the King of Thailand visits the Central Pattani Mosque and tells me that his heart feels at peace when he sees the mosque,” he said.

The visit to Pattani, Yala, and Narathiwat, running from June 11 to 13, comprise delegations from Malaysia, Brunei, Egypt, Nigeria, Pakistan, Maldives, Iran, and Indonesia.

-- BERNAMA