leaders must reach the public in a positive way, he said. Hon. Elijah Okupa, MP, of Uganda
urged that ideas must be shared and the message of democracy and good governance must be preached. The issue of mindset must be
addressed. Registering teachers of religion must be implemented and a checklist developed to see where counter-terrorism measures are going.
International action Hon. Jonathan Obuebite, MLA, of Bayelsa focused on the practice of non-negotiation with terrorists and America’s open condemnation of some countries and apparent approval of other countries’ actions. The United Nations process against terrorism should be followed by the
Commonwealth as a group. Hon. Eran Wickramaratne, MP,
of Sri Lanka stated the fight against terrorism involves the suspension of rights and freedoms of all citizens. Hon. Mussa Zungu, MP, of
Tanzania reflected on the fact that the outcome of the CPA conferences is not transmitted to the Commonwealth by way of recommendations going forward. Maj. Muhwezi suggested that recommendations be made and solutions created to deal with terrorism. Intervention in the early stages of terrorism is necessary. Sen. Shah opined that power and the fruits of social development should be shared. Terrorist leaders must renounce the use of force, surrender arms and set clear parameters for the rules of engagement. Hon. Farida Amour Mohammed,
MLA, of Zanzibar advocated that the weak in society must not be allowed to fall into the hands of terrorists. Zanzibar is 99 per cent Muslim and there is no terrorism taking place. The CPA forum should be used to state exactly what happens in different countries.
New approaches Maj. Muhwezi concluded that society does not believe that Islam promotes terrorism and so Muslim leaders must condemn terrorist acts. Manufactures of arms and ammunitions must be challenged in the countries where these are made. While all the issues cannot be addressed, citizens can use the democratic system to vote governments out. Democratic countries must unite and speak with one voice against terrorism.
Ms Ng explained that terrorism is
not about Islam, it is about a network that will use Islam to terrorize the world.
The experiences in Singapore
have caused a true awareness of Islam and Muslims. Muslims’ help is needed to quell the fears of terrorist attacks. In Singapore there is open dialogue with all religious leaders where trust and understanding are the basis of discussion. Sen. Shah reasoned that the lack
of employment, lack of social justice and the inequitable distribution of wealth cause discontent. Voters expect results from democratic governments. There must be tolerance in democracy for there to be peace and the right to differ from another person’s opinion must be respected.