IT is an opportune time to extend our respects to the late Tunku Abdul Rahman, Malaysia’s first prime minister.
When raising the Malaya flag (now Malaysia) after achieving independence from the British, he did not only seek to establish a country politically, but also to present a new experience of Islam, putting peaceful co-existence with other faiths and moderation on top of his agenda to run the country.
Now, after half a century, the efforts have been fruitful.
As the envoy of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the government which came into office raising the motto of moderation and respecting other nations and governments, I wish to deliver the Iranian government’s will to promote friendship and expand the brotherly ties between the two countries.
Iranians have played an important role in spreading Islam to East Asia.
According to the historical documents in books written by scholars in this region, elements of Persian mysticism and poetry have been translated into the Malay language.
Besides, traces of the presence of Persians in the region were discovered some centuries ago; they were engaged in trade in Lembah Bujang and Malacca.
Persian poet Sa’adi Shirazi (1210-1291 AD) had composed a piece of poetry, that reads: “ze taj malek zadehi dar melakh shabi la’li oftad dar sanglakh”, which refers to an incident when the ruby gem from the crown of a Malacca prince fell to the stony ground... and at the end, is a piece of advice from the poet.
Persian literature researchers believe that melakh mentioned in the poem refers to the state of Melaka (Malacca).
The Malacca sultanate was known to receive many Persian merchants for trade.
It is interesting to know that the impact of Persian literature on Malay language is so deep that many Malay terms come from a Persian root and, more interesting is that many words in Malay trade and business terminology have come from the Persian language such as saudagar, dewan, daftar, nakhoda and bandar.
Today, under the new circumstances, Iran and Malaysia are trying to revive what once existed in the history of the two countries’ relationship.
After the nuclear agreement between Iran and the world powers, there are bright prospects for the country’s progress in all fields.
Iran enjoys a vast capacity for trade and can provide traders and economic activists with unique opportunities.
Due to her outstanding geographical situation and enjoying enormous energy resources, Iran can be Malaysia’s regional centre in the Middle East, Central Asia and Europe.
On the other hand, Malaysia, due to her geographical situation
as well as cultural and religious commonalities, can be Iran’s regional centre in Asean or Asia Pacific.
During the visit and negotiations between Iranian president Dr Hassan Rouhani and Malaysia’s Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, it was agreed to expand cooperation in different areas of science, tourism, oil, gas and petrochemicals, building highways and car industry, as closer ties between the two nations will eventually lead to strengthening the position of the Islamic world in the international arena too.
Our countries have common views on fighting extremism and promoting moderation.
In my opinion, all Islamic sects, Shiism or Sunnism, are equal and brotherly.
Unfortunately, what we witness today in some parts of the world is a school of thought authorising itself to deprive others of the right of life.
Daesh, as the most sinister instance, has taken its toll on both Sunnis and Shias.
In today’s world, where extremists resort to war, it is wise and imperative for the moderates to unify.
Avoiding separation and encouraging brotherhood are the best way to fight extremism.
“Bersatu kita teguh, bercerai kita roboh” (united we stand, divided we fall) beautifully depicts the value of unity in the Malay language.
As the ambassador to Malaysia, I have come to strengthen those commonalities and appreciate the goodwill and cooperation by the government and the people of Malaysia.
n MARZIEH AFKHAM, Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Malaysia