Page 9 - Diplomatic Voice Vol 4

FORUM NEWS Panel Discussion on Moderation: A Belgian and European Perspective called for justice, dignity and freedom. it is our responsibility to be the voice They were encouraged by this awa- and the hand of moderation. kening of whole societies, by citizens’ claims for universal values, that was The first discussant, Dato’ Saifuddin previously so often presented as alien Abdullah elaborated that as an organi- to non-western societies. sation, GMMF practises several initia- tives, namely, digital diplomacy, non- H.E. Reynders further stated that in traditional traits, democracy and go- international politics, the welcomed vernance. It believes that moderation quests for democracy often turned is how a society does everything and into a call for stability. There is an should be at the forefront of things. assumption that a revolution by itself could address all the problems and He said that GMMF also believes that quickly change the future of the whole the duty of the international communi- country. H.E. Reynders found this as- ty, particularly the world leaders, is not sumption unacceptable and is of the only to support the voices of the mo- On 25 November 2014, IDFR, in view that deep transformation takes derate but more importantly, in some collaboration with the Embassy of time and requires commitment and instances to support the pro-demo- Belgium, organised a panel discussion involvement from all parts of society. It cracy moderates who want to uphold titled Moderation: A Belgian and Euro- is the lack of response to citizen’s human rights, good governance and pean Perspective. The panel discus- legitimate request that feeds their rule of law. In reality, this is not the sion was held to discuss how modera- frustration and anger, and provides case because in some instances, tion through the implementation of the ground for extremism to grow. Studies during the escalation of violent ex- principles of democracy, good gover- have proven that corruption, unba- tremism, the moderates are often nance and rule of law can be the way lanced gender policies, economic in- wiped out. Dato’ Saifuddin empha- forward to long-term peace and sta- equalities, political instability and go- sised the need to have more count- bility as well as how these concepts vernance issues are decisive elements er-narratives against terrorism; teach- can be concretely applied to counter to be addressed in building peaceful ing others the real definition of certain extremism at the regional and inter- societies. alleged words associated with terror- national level. ism, such as jihad. Dato’ Saifuddin H.E. Reynders also elaborated that suggested that the society can do The main speaker for the event was moderation is about tolerance, trust more in exchanges between ASEAN H.E. Didier Reynders, Belgian Deputy and mutual understanding, and finds and European countries, particularly in Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign dialogue an important tool to resolve strategies and policies and transfor- Affairs and European Affairs. The two disputes. Moderation should not just mation of institutions either political or discussants were Dato’ Saifuddin be confined to religion alone but economic and is of the belief that Abdullah, Chief Executive Officer of should be all encompassing to include these exchanges are positive ways to the Global Movement of Moderates other areas such as the economics, ensure a lasting and sustainable Foundation (GMMF) and Dr. Chandra politics, culture and social dimen- peace worldwide. Muzaffar, Distinguished Fellow of IDFR sions. Moderation is also about pro- and President of the International tecting all components of the societies The second discussant, Dr. Chandra Movement for a Just World. such as ethnic, religious and national Muzaffar, began his presentation by minorities, which should by all means, stating that an anatomy of extremism, H.E. Reynders began his presentation not be considered a burden but an violence and terrorism in West Asia by stating that the world and the asset. Unfortunately, moderation is focus on the Islamic State. According media focused on the occurrences often silent, while extremism is heard. to Dr. Chandra, whenever one is to talk happening in the Middle East but calls Media regularly echoes violence and about religious conflicts, it never for change have been much more extremism rather than announcing the excludes the power dimension. The widespread. In many cases, citizens small but powerful initiatives of the other dimension that Dr. Chandra started to doubt the legitimacy of moderates. H.E. Reynders further em- mentioned was economics. Different those that govern them or their capa- phasised that the duty of leaders is to religions have their own beliefs and city to answer their demands. These give moderates a voice and place, and stand in interpreting certain issues; victimized citizens often rejected they should also raise their voice and with this being a fact, at a certain level, corruption and deep-rooted inequali- support this call for tolerance and it can lead to misinterpretations. He ties and want more justice and dignity. peace, be it through words or concrete further emphasised that it is very As time passed, the Western media actions. He concluded his lecture by important to strengthen the rule of law, welcomed the Arab revolutions that stating that as leaders and as citizens, democracy and good governance in DIPLOMATIC VOICE 9