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Legislator hopes Obama to make changes for Muslim community

Rabu, 21 Januari 2009 | 12:33 WIB

Jakarta, NU Online
A House of Representatives (DPR member of the Islam-based Prosperous Justice Party (PKS) has expressed hope US President Barack Obama would bring about major changes in the world, especially in conditions affecting the Islamic community.

"We hope Obama can make major changes because his character seems to be very different from that of his predecessor, George W Bush who bore a grudge against Muslims," said Almuzzammil Yusuf who is a member of the House`s Commission I handling foreign and security affairs here on Wednesday.<>

He said George W Bush deserved to be called the worst US president for the Muslim community and the world.

In his inaugural address in Washington DC, Obama said the US sought a new way forward with the Muslim world based on mutual interest and respect. But commenting on the issue of terrorism, Obama said, "You cannot outlast us, and we will defeat you."

In response to Obama`s speech, Almuzzammil Yusuf who is PKS associate chairman for political, defense, and security affairs, said that all along Obama had along adhered to policies on Iraq that differed from his predecessor`s.

"Hence, we can have hope for a change," Almuzzammil said, adding that in relation with the issue between Palestine and Israel, Obama`s political stance in his comments in the run up to US presidential election indicated that he had empathy to Israel.

Therefore, Almuzzammil said Obama`s attitude toward Palestinian-Israeli issue was still unclear.

According to Almuzzammil, Obama has ever said of his disagreement on Iranian nuclear program for peaceful purposes.

"While in US relation with Indonesia, there will probably be significant progress so long as Indonesian democracy is significant as well," he added. (ant/dar)


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