In-House Forum – Systematic View on Financial Crisis and Peak Oils – 10.00am–12.30pm, Saturday, 28 February 2009, JUST office.

On 28 February 2009, the International Movement for a Just World organized a forum – the ninth in the JUST In-House Forum series – on:

"Systematic View on Financial Crisis and Peak Oils" at its premises in Petaling Jaya, Selangor. The speaker was Dr Choo Peng Yin.

Dr Choo is an Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Information & Communication, University Tunku Abdul Rahman. Dr. Choo had also given, not so long ago, a riveting talk on the Energy Crisis at the recent IYEP2 event.

In-House Forum – Global Monetary Meltdown: Causes, Consequences and responses – 10.30am–12.30pm, Saturday, 13 December 2008, JUST office.

On 13 December 2008, the International Movement for a Just World organized a forum – the eighth in the JUST In-House Forum series – on:

"Global Monetary Meltdown: Causes, Consequences and responses" at its premises in Petaling Jaya, Selangor. The speaker was Associate Professor Dr. Ahmad Kameel Mydin Meera.

Dr. Ahmad Kameel is the Director of Institute of Banking and Finance, International Islamic University Malaysia. After highlighting the lack of ethics in business and finance as the fundamental cause for the collapse of international market, Dr. Ahmad Kameel recommended the use of gold dinar as a means to recover from the current crisis.

In-House Forum – Make Better Films, Not Bombs! : Way To Promote Muslim Unity And World Peace? – 10.30 a.m. – 12.30 p.m., Saturday, 11 October 2008, JUST office

On 11 October 2008, the International Movement for a Just World organized a forum – the seventh in the JUST In-House Forum series – on:

“Make Better Films, Not Bombs! : Way To Promote Muslim Unity And World Peace?" at its premises in Petaling Jaya, Selangor. The speaker was Mr. Mansor Puteh.

Mansor Puteh is a journalist, film director, and producer. He spoke on the how the formalized and institutionalized ‘Hollywood’ influences our cinema and other third world countries. He highlighted the need for an independent cinema which reflects our true values, lifestyles and traditions and how this can promote unity amongst the Muslims and non Muslims. This will inadvertently cause a multiplier effect and help promote better economic, cultural and social development in the Muslim World. He was well quoted in his interview on ‘Seman’ for saying “Seman is there for a purpose, to unite people and create more jobs. That is what cinema is all about”.

In-House Forum – Interfaith Dialogue: Hopes and Fears – 10.30am–12.30pm, Saturday, 23 August 2008, JUST office

On 23 August 2008, the International Movement for a Just World organized a forum – the sixth in the JUST In-House Forum series – on:

“Interfaith Dialogue: Hopes and Fears" at its premises in Petaling Jaya, Selangor. The speaker was JUST President, Dr Chandra Muzaffar.

After outlining the common fears and misconceptions associated with the idea of holding Interfaith Dialogues, the floor was open for discussion. This is where it really took off as the mixed group who had turned out for the event were very vocal and had plenty to say. One of the most noticeable things to come out of the discussions was that although there were many varied , very frank views expressed, everyone left as friends with more insight into what the ‘other’ was thinking.

In-House Forum – World Food Crisis: Is Malaysia Safe? --- 10.30am–12.30pm, Saturday, 28 June 2008, JUST office

On 28 June 2008, the International Movement for a Just World organized a forum – the fifth in the JUST In-House Forum series – on the “World Food Crisis: Is Malaysia Safe?” at its premises in Petaling Jaya, Selangor. The speaker was Dr Larry Chee-Yoong Wong, Senior Fellow at the Institute of Strategic and International Studies (ISIS) Malaysia. Dr Larry explained during the forum how the present food crisis in Malaysia is not that of shortage, but prices, and the roots are largely attributable to human factors. Deftly comparing the present situation with that of the 1970s and 1990s, he also demonstrated in detail the relevance of supply chain networks in addressing such crisis. As the speaker and audience alike contemplate the possible solutions, individual actions feature prominently in the discussion, thus affirming Mahatma Gandhi’s claim, quoted by Dr Larry, that “there is enough in this world for everyone’s need, but not enough for everyone’s greed.”

Note: Pictures from the In-House Forum can be viewed by clicking the link below:

http://www.just-international.org/ForumPhotos5.cfm

Forum on Palestine: 60 Years of Struggle – Al-Nakbah Remembered – 10:00 AM – 1.00 PM, 10 May 2008 (Saturday), Sin Chew Hall, Sin Chew Daily

A Public Forum on Palestine: 60 Years of Struggle – Al-Nakbah Remembered, was held on 10 May 2008 (Saturday), organized by the International Movement for a Just World (JUST) and Peace Malaysia at the Sin Chew Hall, Sin Chew Daily in Petaling Jaya. A panel of three speakers – JUST Vice-President, Dr. Abdullah al-Ahsan; social activist, Mr Rahim Abdul Majid; and Peace Malaysia Chairman, Dato’ Mukhriz Mahathir; moderated by activist and Church leader Datin Dulcie Abraham – shared their views on the plight of the Palestinians today and Al-Nakbah in retrospect. Beginning with Dr Abdullah’s erudite dissection of the ‘History of the Palestine Catastrophe’, the forum participants were then exposed to the conditions of ‘Refugees of the Palestine Catastrophe’ during Mr Rahim’s engaging presentation and finally to understand Malaysia’s role today in this global humanitarian crisis through Dato’ Mukhriz’s speech, ‘Malaysians and the Palestinian Catastrophe’. It was during this Forum too that the ‘Plant an Olive Tree Campaign’ was launched, in addition to poetry recitals.

The event ended with a passionate speech from the Palestinian Ambassador to Malaysia, His Excellency Abdel Aziz Aboughosh, calling for universal solidarity transcending the confines and contours of nationality, ethnicity and religion for the Palestinian people.

Note: Pictures from the Public Forum can be viewed by clicking the link below:

http://www.just-international.org/nakbahphotos.cfm

In-House Forum – The 12th Malaysian General Elections: What Now?--- 11.00am–1.00pm, Saturday, 5 April 2008, JUST office

On 5 April 2008, the International Movement for a Just World (JUST), organised an in-house forum on 'The 12th Malaysian General Elections: What Now?'. The speakers were legal scholar, Professor Shad Saleem Faruqi who is also a JUST Executive Committee member, and JUST President, political scientist, Professor Chandra Muzaffar. The session was moderated by the Vice-President of JUST, Professor Abdullah al-Ahsan. Professor Shad first explored the legal and constitutional issues that arose from the election while Professor Chandra then tackled the political themes behind it.

Prof. Shad’s presentation first situated constitutional issues within the context of political conventions, to which they are invariably linked, and then proceeded to deal with the legal position of matters from ethnicity in state governments to an activist-interventionist monarchy, after which the legality of possible political moves was considered. Later on, Prof. Chandra investigated both the positive and negative implications of the election verdict, reflecting in particular how the individual parties were affected by it.

The Q & A session that ensued demonstrated how the public felt that this election marks a turning point for Malaysia. A more pluralistic approach in politics, it seems, is underway.

In-House Forum – Alternatives to Empire --- 11.00am–1.00pm, Saturday, 2 February 2008, JUST office

The International Movement for a Just World (JUST) organized its 3rd In-House Forum on Alternatives to Empire on Saturday, 2 February 2008 at the JUST office in Petaling Jaya. During the forum, the speaker, JUST President Dr Chandra Muzaffar, gave an overview of the subject matter in question, highlighting some of the unique challenges and opportunities with the end of the American Empire.

Participants as young as 17 lent their views on this critical question. Many were passionate with their presentation, reflecting deep conviction in their beliefs. Skepticism no doubt surfaced every now and then as some drew from the lessons of history, such as the Vietnam War, to remind the floor of the dangers of over-confidence. Yet others were immersed in philosophical dialectics as free will and rational human agency battled with notions of theological fatalism. The overall mood however, was optimistic and the forum ended on a hopeful note, assuring all the participants that a better world free from empire is always possible.

International Affairs Forum - "Clouds of Witness: Moral Responsibility on a Planet in Peril", 9:45 am, 11 December 2007, Institute of Strategic and International Studies (ISIS)

A forum with the above title was held at ISIS Malaysia premises in Kuala Lumpur on 11 December 2007, jointly organised by JUST, ISIS Malaysia and the Centre for Policy Research and International Studies of Universiti Sains Malaysia. The speaker was Professor Michael S. Northcott, professor of ethics at New College, University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom.

Professor Northcott is active in the European Churches Environmental Network and best known for his work on environmental theology and ethics.

The forum was very well attended at almost full house, with participants coming from a wide range of backgrounds including foreign embassies, corporate figures, academicians, NGO activists, etc. The discussions were very stimulating and informative as the speaker, and questioners, not only dwelled on the scientific evidence relating to global warming and climate change through the symptoms that have emerged to date, and pointers to future and further disasters on a global scale but, unusually, he viewed these phenomena through ethical and religious paradigms, specifically those of Christianity and Islam. It was also clear what action participants themselves can take in future with regard to this global climate danger. In terms of engendering interest and imparting information and new insights, the forum was a clear success.

In-House Forum – State and Religion: Case of Turkey --- 10am–12.30pm 24 November 2007, JUST office

On Saturday 24 November JUST held the second in their series of In-House Forums.This time the topic was ‘State and Religion: Case of Turkey’ and the invited speakers were Dr Mohd Redzuan Othman from the University of Malaya and Dr Mohd Iqbal Abdul Wahab from the International Islamic University.

After a late start, due to heavy traffic to a larger gathering in KL that morning, the speakers soon had the 30 or so participants listening intently to the historical and present day facts about Turkey. Both speakers’ knowledge of Turkey is to be commended and the fluency with which they delivered their respective talks reflected this.

As will be the flow at all of JUST’s In-House Forums, after all the information was imparted to those attending the Q&A started. Many varied questions were fielded to the speakers and not all views were in agreement with what had been said earlier. That this led to wider discussion showed that the ‘forum’ lived up to its name.

Also, it was very encouraging to see many young people giving up their Saturday morning to not only attend but also participate.

This bodes well for the next forum sometime in January which will be asking you to take a look at ‘Alternatives to Empire’. Please keep checking the website to find out the exact date and time.

In-House Forum – Religious State or Secular State – What is the future? --- 10am–11.30am 15 September 2007, JUST office


On the morning of Saturday 15 September JUST held an In-house Forum for members and friends. The turn-out was very good with approx. 40 people attending. The topic of discussion may have been the reason, 'Religious State or Secular State - What is the future?' JUST president, Dr Chandra Muzaffar provided the outline and background information for the discussion that was to follow. The members had lots to say and many varied views were put across. Perhaps more importantly, everyone's view was listened to and considered constructively and maturely. Most were of the view that in '57 Malaysia was 'born' a 'unique' secular state and should remain so. Sadly, as usual, due to time constraints, the forum had to come to a close and those who attended left feeling their Saturday morning had been well spent.

NOTE: For info on the topic and date of the next In-house Forum please keep checking the website.

Seminar on 'Super Terror and the Politics of 9/11' ---In Conjunction with the 6th Anniversary of the 9/11 tragedy ---08 September 2007

In conjunction with the 6th anniversary of the 9/11 tragedy in the USA, the International Movement for a Just World (JUST) organized a Seminar and Exhibition on the theme, 'Super Terror and the Politics of 9/11'. The Seminar was held at the Sin Chew Daily Hall from 9am to 5 pm. Approximately 100 persons participated, comprising JUST members, journalists, embassy staff, academics and the general public.

The event started with a hard look at Super Terror in the form of a flash video presentation on the horror of Hiroshima, Vietnam, Palestine etc. and this theme continued through out the day with 3 other music videos.

The morning session papers saw JUST President, Dr. Chandra Muzaffar, provide an overview of 'Super Terror' while Mr Javier Clavelo and Ms Mina Perez focussed on their own particular area of the world, Latin America, with the emphasise upon Cuba and Venevuela respectively.

The afternoon switched to West Asia and gave us, H.E. Ambassador Dr Seyed Mohammad Kazem Sajjadpour of Iran to the UN, who talked personally about the terror inflicted on the region. Dr Shad Faruqi spoke on a 'Third World Perspective on Terrorism' and touched on the illegalities surrounding 'Super Terror'.

There was also audience participation after each session with a lively Q&A both morning and afternoon. To round up the day JUST Treasurer, Mr Gan Teik Chee chaired the 'Action Plan' and gave the 'Closing Remarks' .

Lunch and refreshments were provided during the breaks and participants were encouraged to tour the photo exhibition on the horror inflicted on the world by 'Super Terror'. Participants left for home with a new perspective of 'Terror' to ponder over and the song 'America, America' ringing in their ears.

Inter-civilisational Youth Engagement Program (IYEP) -– 17–20 June 2007, Residence Hotel, Kajang, Malaysia.

The IYEP that was organized by JUST together with four other organizations: the Muslim Youth Movement of Malaysia (ABIM), the World Assembly of Muslim Youth (WAMY), the Inter-Religious Engagement Project: A Network for the 21st Century (IEP21) and the World Council of Muslims for Interfaith Relations (WCMIR) was a very successful project. It represents a milestone for JUST as it is the first program of its kind to have international youth participation from 15 different countries, of different faiths and cultural backgrounds.

The following five prominent speakers spoke at the conference:-

The conference succeeded in promoting greater interfaith dialogue and understanding among the youths. Participants were able to share the essence of Malaysian muhibbah as well as take part in cross-religious and cultural exchange. Indeed the program lived up to its name of achieving inter-civilisational youth engagement.

From this program, we hope that this group of youth will be able to fulfill the objectives laid out and continue the pursuit for global justice with the experiences they have taken with them.

Karen Armstrong's Program in Kuala Lumpur--16 June 2007.

Karen Armstrong, one the world's leading commentators on religious affairs, a best-selling author, whose books have been translated into forty languages was in Malaysia recently.

On 16 June 2007 Karen gave a Public Lecture entitled Religion in the 21st Century at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel, Kuala Lumpur. The talk that was jointly organised by JUST, Institute of Diplomacy and Foreign Relations (IDFR) Malaysia, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) and the Institute of Strategic and International Studies (ISIS) received overwhelming response from the public. It was estimated about 1000 people turned up for the talk.

Visit of the Australian Muslim community leaders to the JUST office--4 June 2007.

JUST received six Australian Muslim community leaders on 4 June 2007. They were accompanied by Dr. Lauren Bain, the Second Secretary (Political) from the Australian High Commission in Kuala Lumpur.

The visit was an initiative of the Australia-Malaysia Institute, through its Muslim exchange program with the aim of building links between current and future Muslim leaders from Malaysia and Australia and also to encourage greater understanding of the role of religion in both countries.

The group was engaged in a two hour discussion with JUST President, Dr. Chandra Muzaffar, on a wide range of issues pertaining to Muslims in the context of global politics.

Public Lecture by Ms. Alison Weir--31 May 2007.

On 31 May 2007, the International Movement for a Just World (JUST) organized a Public Lecture by Ms. Alison Weir entitled "Deadly Distortion: American News Coverage of Israel-Palestine and its effect on the alleged "Clash of Civilizations". The talk was moderated by Mr. Mohamed Osman, JUST Committee member, and was attended by about 130 people. It was held at Sin Chew Hall, Petaling Jaya, Malaysia.

Ms. Weir who travelled to Gaza and the West Bank in 2001 made an in depth study of the media reporting in major American news agencies on the death casualties among the Palestinians and the Israelis during the period she was in Palestine. Through her studies, she discovered that major American media corporations distorted the news by covering up deaths and casualties of Palestinians, and instead painted the picture that it was the Israelis who suffered most casualties. This prompted her to form the organization If Americans Knew to provide Americans with accurate information on Palestine.

Alison told the audience that due to the slanting news coverage, most Americans were not fully aware of what transpired in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict – not even the fact that Americans tax-payers are spending approximately US10 million a day on Israel.

Young Muslim Men’s Association (YMMA) of Sri Lanka visit to the JUST office--29 May 2007.

A group of forty-two members of the Young Muslim Men's Association (YMMA) of Sri Lanka visited the JUST office on 29 May 2007 at 8.00 pm.

JUST President, Dr. Chandra Muzaffar delivered a talk on "Youth and Contemporary Challenges" to the visitors. The topic was in line with the main objective of their visit, which was to create awareness among members of the association on issues and problems confronting youth today – especially the challenges that they encounter in the globalized world.

Fourth Triennial General Meeting (TGM)--24 March 2007.

The International Movement for a Just World held its fourth Triennial General Meeting (TGM) on 24 March 2007 at the JUST office, No. 3, Jalan 11/9, 46200 Petaling Jaya, Malaysia. The meeting was chaired by the President, Dr. Chandra Muzaffar. 42 members registered for the TGM which, in absolute numbers was the highest ever for a general meeting.

The full Triennial Report is accessible at this link:
http://www.just-international.org/tgmreport.rtf

The full TGM minutes is accessible at this link: http://www.just-international.org/TGMminutes.rtf

Delegation from the Japan Lawyers Association for Freedom visit to the JUST office--20 March 2007.

A delegation from the Japan Lawyers Association for Freedom, led by Mr. Tsugehide Suzuki, visited JUST office on 20 March 2007. The visitors had a discussion with Dr. Chandra Muzaffar and appealed for support for their campaign against an amendment to Article 9 of the Japanese Constitution aimed at transforming Japan into a military power.

JUST has endorsed the campaign.

Austrian Student Visit--15-24 January 2007.

The International Movement for a Just World hosted ten international students from Innsbruck University Austria from 15 – 24 January 2007. The group comprising mainly European nationals also, had American and Nigerian citizens. They were led by Prof. Hans Koechler who is a professor of Political Philosophy in Innsbruck University. The purpose of the visit was to explore the question of 'Religion and Violence'.

The visit was overseen by Mr. Ghazali Yasin the executive director of International Movement for a Just World. Fofana A. Abraham and Temme Lee assisted in the preparations.

During their stay they were able to visit three universities namely; International Islamic University of Malaysia (IIUM), National University of Malaysia (Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia UKM) and Science University of Malaysia (Universiti Sains Malaysia USM). In addition, they visited Muslim, Christian, Buddhist and Hindu NGOs in both Kuala Lumpur and Penang. Among the subjects discussed were Eliminating Violence through Religion, Causes of Terrorism and Understanding among Religions. The speakers at various events were Dr. Chandra Muzaffar, president of JUST, Datuk A. Vaithilingam president of Hindu Sangam, Mr. Azril Amin ABIM Vice president and Prof. Hans Koechler. The speakers also included Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kamar Oniah Kamaruzaman, Associate Prof.Dr. Kamarulnizam Abdullah both are lecturers at IIUM and UKM respectively. The other speakers were Mr. Vijaya Samaravickrama from Buddhist Maha Vihara, Prof. Dr. Abdulhusin Kashim from Mindanao, Philippines, and Prof. Syed Ahmad Hussein Director for Centre For International Studies (CIS), at USM.

The visitors from Austria were most appreciative of the program prepared for their trip by JUST.

Cuba: The Struggle for Justice--5th November 2006.

The International Movement for a Just World (JUST) in collaboration with the Cuban Embassy in Malaysia organized a forum themed Cuba: The Struggle for Justice on 5th November 2006 at the YMCA, No. 95, Jalan Padang Belia, 50470 Kuala Lumpur Malaysia. The forum was held on the eve of the annual United Nations debate on a resolution seeking to lift the economic blockade on Cuba imposed by the US 47 years ago. This unjust, inhuman blockade which is opposed by the majority of UN member states is aimed at strangulating the Cuban economy. It denies the Cuban people the right to develop their own society guided by its own values without interference from outside. This is why the blockade in the ultimate analysis is an affront to all nations that cherish their independence and sovereignty.

The forum was chaired by Ms. Helen Ng (JUST Exco member). During the forum, there were two video presentations; namely 'The Challenge' on the US imposed economic blockade on Cuba, and 'Let the Light be' on the advances made in ophthalmology in Cuba and on solidarity with the South. There were two speakers during the occasion. H.E. Mr. Pedro Monzon Barata, the Ambassador of the Republic of Cuba to Kuala Lumpur addressed the Forum on the topic "The Blockade against Cuba and our Struggle for Justice". Dr. Chandra Muzaffar president of JUST spoke on 'The Significance of Cuba's Struggle for Independence and Dignity for Malaysia and other Countries' (for a summary of Dr. Chandra speech you can click here). His speech was followed by a Q&A session.

During the break, there was live Cuban Music and Refreshments.

The attendance was encouraging.

The entire program lasted from 9:30a.m. to 1: p.m.

International Peace Day Observed--22 September 2006.

Following the UN call to observe September 21 as International Peace Day a one day program was organized at International Islamic University Malaysia. It was jointly sponsored by the International Movement for a Just World (JUST), the National University of Malaysia (UKM) and the Post-Graduate Students Society of the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM). However it was held on September 22 due to some unavoidable circumstances.

A number of speakers highlighted the weaknesses in the international system in preventing international conflicts. It was underlined that although the United Nations was established with the aim of “saving succeeding generations for the scourge of war” it has failed to prevent armed conflicts during its over 60 years of existence. Unfortunately the international system continues to be dominated by Machiavellian power brokers. The participants strongly felt that international civil society should act swiftly and decisively to bring a change in the current international system.

Buddhist-Muslim Dialogue -- 26-27 June 2006.

A Buddhist-Muslim Dialogue on the theme ?Buddhists and Muslims in Southeast Asia working towards justice and peace? was held at the Suan Dusit Place of Suan Dusit Rajabhat University, Bangkok. It was organised jointly by the Santi Pracha Dhamma Institute (SPDI), International Network of Engaged Buddhists (INEB) and International Movement for a Just World (JUST). A total of 35 participants from eight countries attended the three-day Dialogue. Most of them were Buddhists and Muslims from Southeast Asia. For the outcome of the Dialogue, please click "Dusit Declaration".

Visit of Australian Muslim Leaders -- 23 June 2006.

The International Movement for a Just world (JUST) hosted a group of Australian Muslim Community Leaders at its office. Dr. Chandra Muzaffar spoke to them on JUST's work and fielded questions on Islam and Society.

Visit of Australian Journalists -- 8 June 2006.

The International Movement for a Just World (JUST) represented by Prof. Abdullah Al-Ahsan, Prof. Amriah Buang, Mr. Haridas, and Mr. Mohamed Osman hosted at the JUST office a group of 16 Australian journalists visiting under the ISIS Malaysia International Visitors? Programme in conjunction with the Asia Pacific Journalism Centre, Australia. They discussed various issues pertaining Malaysian society.

Visit of Delegation from Initiatives of Change -- 10 May 2006.

A delegation of men and women of different nationalities, acquainted with the Initiatives of Change Movement visited the JUST office. They exchanged views with Dr. Chandra Muzaffar and interacted with the JUST staff. The delegation was led by K. Haridas, one of he Initiatives' International Council members, who is also on the JUST committee.

Roundtable on 'Iraq, Iran and the Politics of the Middle East'---In Conjunction with the third Anniversary of the Invasion of Iraq:

In conjunction with the third anniversary of the invasion of Iraq, the International Movement for a Just World (JUST) organized a Roundtable Discussion on the theme, 'Iraq, Iran and the Politics of the Middle East'. The Roundtable was held at the JUST office in Damansara Jaya, Selangor, on the 18th of March 2006 from 10.00 am to 1 pm. About 20 persons participated, comprising activists, academics, journalists and policy analysts. JUST President, Dr. Chandra Muzaffar, provided an overview of the situation in the Middle East while JUST Vice-President, Dr. R.S. McCoy, served as moderator. The Discussion was focused and lively, with many interesting inputs from the participants.

A public lecture entitled "Buddhism in Asia: Challenges and Prospects":

A public lecture was co-organised by the International Movement for a Just World (JUST) and Soka Gakkai Malaysia (SGM) at 4 pm on Saturday, 11 March 2006. The lecture, entitled "Buddhism in Asia: Challenges and Prospects", was delivered at the Wisma Kebudayaan Soka Gakkai Malaysia by Mr Sulak Sivaraksa, a prominent Thai lay Buddhist social activist and author, who is widely known as a major figure in the international engaged Buddhist movement. The lecture, which was chaired by Dr Chandra Muzaffar, President of JUST, was followed by a lively question-and-answer session. The conference hall which has a capacity of 150 was packed with participants from a diversity of backgrounds.

Seminar on Divine Guidance in the Contemporary World:

International Movement for a Just World (JUST) and International Institute of Islamic Thought and Civilization (ISTAC) jointly organized a seminar on 'Divine Guidance in Contemporary World: The Message and the Messenger' at ISTAC on March 3, 2006. In the seminar Prof. Irfan A. Khan of Chicago spoke on "Building Relationship with the Divine Text," and Prof. Hashim Kamali of ISTAC spoke on "Sunnah as a Source of Divine Guidance." Their presentations were followed by a long question answer session. About 50 students and academicians a ttended the seminar.

Roundtable with Prof. Arkoun:

In connection with the visit of Professor Muhammad Arkoun and a number of other scholars to Kuala Lumpur the International Movement for a Just World (JUST) and the Institute for Strategic and International Studies (ISIS) organized a roundtable discussion on "Understanding of Islam in the 21st Century" at ISIS Kuala Lumpur. The discussion was held on Monday February 13, 2006. About 25 academicians, journalists and activists participated in the 3 hour long Roundtable.