ISTAC, Kuala Lumpur – 24 June 2025 — The President of Wadah Pencerdasan Umat Malaysia (WADAH), Dato’ Ahmad Azam Abd Rahman, called on Muslim NGOs across Southeast Asia to unite in addressing the region’s pressing challenges, particularly the rise of Islamophobia and extremism, through the spirit of Fiqh Ta’ayush — peaceful coexistence within diversity.
Delivering the keynote address at the MADANI Southeast Asia Leadership Programme for ASEAN NGO Leaders (MSEALP 2025), held at the Ibn Khaldun Conference Room, ISTAC-IIUM, Dato’ Ahmad Azam underscored the importance of collaboration, solidarity and a proactive approach in tackling issues that affect Muslim minorities in ASEAN.
“We are here to identify the best programmes to improve the well-being of Muslim communities across the region. Despite our differences, and even when living as minorities, we still have an important role to play in society,” he said.
He further noted that Islamophobia is not a new phenomenon but a recurring challenge faced by prophets throughout history, including Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), who faced hostility while spreading the message of Islam in both Makkah and Madinah.
“Today, Islamophobia is not only localised — it has become a globalised phenomenon. Unfortunately, it exists not only among non-Muslims, but also among Muslims who fear certain expressions of their own faith. This is a critical issue we must address,” he added.
Dato’ Ahmad Azam emphasised that the ideas and inputs gathered from the MSEALP meeting will be compiled and submitted to the ASEAN Secretariat, especially as Malaysia currently holds the ASEAN Chairmanship.
“If these ideas are viable, they should be presented at the ASEAN level. We must ensure Muslim communities have a voice and a place in shaping a harmonious and inclusive regional society,” he stressed.
The event began at 8:30 a.m. with the arrival of delegates, followed by opening remarks from Dr. Ahmad El-Muhammady, Director of MSEALP 2025.
This was followed by a welcome address and briefing on ISTAC by Datuk Prof. Dr. Abdelaziz Berghouth, Dean of ISTAC-IIUM, who reaffirmed ISTAC’s mission as a centre for civilisational dialogue and postgraduate scholarship in the Muslim world.
The MSEALP 2025 Meeting ran from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and featured:
Representatives from countries including Indonesia, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, the Philippines, Singapore, and Timor Leste shared the unique struggles faced by Muslim minorities in their respective countries, ranging from restrictions on religious freedom and access to education, to social discrimination and political marginalisation.
Participants were later given a guided tour of ISTAC’s SMNA Library before performing the Zohor prayer and enjoying lunch together.
According to the organisers, MSEALP 2025 aims to:
Through this initiative, WADAH and its partners seek to consolidate Muslim NGO networks across Southeast Asia and offer constructive policy recommendations to regional leaders.
MSEALP 2025 serves not only as a platform for idea exchange but as a meaningful step toward building a united, enlightened and socially responsible ASEAN Muslim civil society. The clear message: the ummah must rise together, across borders and identities, to reclaim Islam’s true message — one of wisdom, compassion and peaceful co-existence.
