1. President Obama speech from Cairo was broadcast life to the whole wide world. Days prior to the speech it was being promoted as a speech that is intended for the Muslim world. The way Obama gave his speech it was meant for all mankind irrespective of religion and race. It is a speech that can be applied to us Malaysian at home.
2. His speech was based on facts and quotes from the various holy books including the Quran. He delivered it in a very frank manner. He acknowledges the contribution of Islam to the whole wide world.
3. When he said that “ We meet at a time of great tension between the United States and Muslims around the world…” , it immediately strikes me what he said is applicable to us Malaysian in the context of our own political, religious scenario.
4. Putting his speech into Malaysian context, I would say that extremist in Malaysia (both political, racial and religious extremist) has bred more fear and more mistrust among Malaysians As long as our relationship is defined by our difference we will empower those who sow hatred rather than peace to promote conflict rather than the cooperation. This cycle of suspicion and discord must end.
5. For Malaysian to move forward we must say openly to each other the things we hold in our hearts and that too often are said only behind closed doors. There must be a sustained effort to listen to each other; to learn from each other; to respect one another; and to seek common ground.
6. I found it inspiring that he quoted the Quran several times and he also mention specifically what Thomas Jefferson, said: “I hope that our wisdom will grow with our power, and teach us that the less we use our power the greater it will be.” The message was clear, we need to use less power in bringing people together.
7. I quote Obama words, “It’s easier to start wars than to end them. It’s easier to blame others than to look inward. It’s easier to see what is different about someone than to find the things we share. But we should choose the right path, not just the easy path. There’s one rule that lies at the heart of every religion — which we do unto others as we would have them do unto us. This truth transcends nations and peoples — a belief that isn’t new; that isn’t black or white or brown; that isn’t Christian or Muslim or Jew.
8. He further said that, “It’s a belief that pulsed in the cradle of civilization, and that still beats in the hearts of billions around the world. We have the power to make the world we seek, but only if we have the courage to make a new beginning, keeping in mind what has been written.”
9. The Holy Koran tells us: “O mankind! We have created you male and a female; and we have made you into nations and tribes so that you may know one another.”The Talmud tells us: “The whole of the Torah is for the purpose of promoting peace.”The Holy Bible tells us: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.”
10. The message Obama gave is very much applicable to us Malaysian. What is clear is that we need to find a “ made in Malaysia Obama” quickly before things really gets out of hand in Malaysia.
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