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Monday 8 November 2010

Najib: Mosque controversy hurt US image

WASHINGTON: The controversy over building an Islamic cultural centre steps from the site of the 9/11 attacks in New York has hurt America's image among Muslims, said Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak.

Speaking on CNN television yesterday, Najib said that Muslim nations courted by US President Barack Obama since taking office have been put off by what they view as bellicose rhetoric and growing hatred toward Muslims in the United States because of controversy over the centre.

"Islamophobia... is a real concern to the Muslim world," the prime minister said.

"I think Muslims have a sense that they're not so welcome," he added.
"They feel there is a change in the attitude of Americans toward Muslims and it's important for us to get back on track."

The proposed centre, to be located two blocks from the site of the 2001 attacks that killed nearly 3,000 people, fuelled vehement protests from those who said the site should not house a Muslim community centre because the 9/11 attacks were launched in the name of Islam.

The centre, which became a lightning rod for some rightwing Americans in the run-up to last Tuesday's midterm elections, sparked a national debate on the place of Islam among the numerous religions practiced in the United States.
- AFP

1 comment:

Khun Pana aka johanssm said...

Take care of your own backyard instead of teaching Obama and the Americans about "image"
As you still need to answer regarding razak baginda and the murder of Altantuya.