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Saturday, 25-Oct-2003 1:53 PM Press Statement We view with great distress the recent report by ‘Dateline’, on the SBS-TV station which linked the IIIT with Al-Qaeda and thus inferring a link between Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, among the former directors of the institute with terrorism. The Barisan Nasional controlled media have been quick to echo this malicious allegation although BN was previously linked to Al-Qaeda. We deny that IIIT has any link with terrorism or Al-Qaeda. Anwar Ibrahim established IIIT with the late Professor Ismail Faruqi, Sheikh Taha Jabir Al-Elwani and Dr. Abdul Hamid Abu Sulaiman, former rector of UIA to spread a moderate, peaceful and progressive Islamic understanding. IIIT has published books, journals and organized seminars to present an Islamic understanding that promotes modernization, pro-democracy and human rights, and to strategize Muslim participation in mainstream modern society. The other founders of IIIT are famous scholars that have firm principles against terrorism and focuses instead on organising dialogues between religion and civil society. The late Ismail Faruqi is an Islamic Professor at Temple University, America and is among the famous Muslim scholars worldwide. Sheikh Taha Jabir is a traditional scholar known worldwide and is a founding member for the Centre for Studies of Islam and Democracy which is based in Washington D.C. Among the other founders include Muslim and non Muslim scholars. The American authorities have in fact conducted their investigation on IIIT just as they have been doing on all other Islamic organisations after 9-11 tragedy and have not made any charges against IIIT. We view this report as malicious and it was done after several developments lately. Among them is Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s letter to the Chief Justice which specified various aspects of injustices towards Datuk Seri Anwar. International interest has also increased with several statements made by leaders who are supportive of his release and right to medical treatment. Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim will make a full statement with regards to this seditious allegation and is seeking the advice of his lawyers for further action. We will have a press conference after the family visit in prison which will take place at our residence at 4.30 pm tomorrow (now postponed to 11.00am, Sunday, 26 October 2003). Datin Seri Dr Wan Azizah Datuk Dr Wan Ismail 24 October 200 |
