MELAKA: Indonesian President Joko Widodo is slated to open a convention involving 22 nations to be organised by a Malaysian-based organisation this year.
The organisation, Malay World Islamic World (DMDI), plans to gather 1,000 participants at the convention to be held in Medan, Indonesia.
Its president, Tan Sri Mohd Ali Rustam, said there would be discussions on major issues, including the plight of Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar, at the convention .
Ali, who is also Bukit Katil Umno chief, said as Myanmar was part of Asean, it should be more open to calls by the United Nations for a probe to be conducted on the alleged abuses of the Rohingya.
“This is especially pertinent as Myanmar’s leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, has been championing human rights issues.”
The convention would also discuss issues on transboundary haze problem, youth and education, Ali said at his Hari Raya open house at Dewan Tun Ali in Bukit Katil, here, yesterday.
“The issue of haze has been discussed and we would like to raise the matter with the governor of the Riau province (in Indonesia) so that a more proactive action can be taken to address the problem. The usefulness of our findings have been proven at previous gatherings, and I hope that the coming convention will continue to focus on strengthening the ties of Muslims worldwide.”
Ali said DMDI planned to set up offices in Mecca and Medina in Saudi Arabia and New Zealand.
More than 10,000 people, including dignitaries, attended the open house.
Present were Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Mohd Khalil Yaakob and Chief Minister Datuk Seri Idris Haron.
Zahid exchanged greetings with the guests and host, and indulged in the festivities for about one hour before leaving.
Various types of traditional food and drinks were served at the open house, including nasi briyani, satay and lontong.