KUANTAN, August 30, 2005 (IslamOnline.net & News Agencies) – Malaysia's clean image as a developed and stable Muslim country is a factor which enables it to shoulder the responsibility of being a model for other Muslim countries, a renowned Yemeni Muslim scholar has said, as Malay officials say they are planning for their country to be a top tourist destination in Asia.

Malaysia was a reflection, especially to the western community, that Islam was a religion of gentleness and beauty, not a platform to commit terror, Ali Zain Al-Aabideen Abdulrahman Al-Jefri told Malaysia’s Bernama News Agency Monday, August 29.

He added that Malaysia's role at the international level was extensive, including to give a through and accurate explanation on the concept as well as the meaning of "jihad" (holy war).

"The suicidal bombers as being used in many parts of the world had caused the death of many innocent people. For this reason, Malaysia has the advantage as the best model because there is peace and prosperity in the country," he said.

Ali Zain, who is also the Deputy Dean of Dar Al-Mustafa in Yemen, said the western world, regarding themselves as being more developed and powerful, were often cynical of the capabilities of other countries.

"Malaysia, however, is an exemption because of its strong economy which enables the country to be self-reliant without having to depend on others," he said.

He was also amazed with Malaysia's capability to compete at international level, according to the official Malaysian News Agency.

"This advantage should be used carefully to clear the image of Islam which has been tarnished," said Ali Zain.

Malaysia offers the image of a very successful Muslim country, 60% of the population are Muslims, heading towards the status of developed nation with huge buildings, beautiful cities and a fast track economy that is doing well despite recent shattering events.

Malaysia, the current chair of the Organization of Muslim Countries (OIC), is also leading a push for Muslim nations to focus on economic development, build trade links with each other, and develop their financial sectors.

Early this month, Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi urged Muslims worldwide to learn from the achievements of past Muslim scientists and scholars.

Badawi said that in line with this objective, the Malaysian government had introduced the Islam Hadhari (Civilizational Islam) concept which, among others, emphasized on the importance of mastering knowledge for the Muslims to succeed and progress, Bernama reported.

The concept has the capacity to generate strength for a nation because it gave emphasis to various matters including knowledge, economy, culture, moral values and defense, he believes.

In a separate-related issue, Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak said the government has always been serious in positioning Malaysia as the top tourist destination especially for West Asian tourists.

As such, he said, the government had spent billions of ringgit (Malay currency) each year in upgrading infrastructure and promoting tourism internationally, directly or indirectly, Bernama reported Tuesday, August 30.

Najib said the efforts taken by the government had now paid off and Malaysia today was poised to become the destination of choice for many tourists particularly from West Asia.

"Over the years, tourism has become one of the most important sources of revenue for Malaysia.

"Tourist arrivals have risen to 15.7 million last year alone and receipts totalled over RM29 billion," he said at the launching of Ain-Arabia, an Arab street, at Jalan Berangan, near the Bukit Bintang area.

The Deputy Prime Minister said the positive development on tourism was certainly welcome "and it did not happen by chance".

"Barely two decades ago, most people in other parts of the world would not have even heard of Malaysia, let alone choose it as a primary destination.

"Alhamdulillah (thank God), today the situation is very different. Due to our careful planning we have been able to project Malaysia as a perfect destination for business and pleasure," he said.

Najib added that in the last few years geo-political development had also pushed Malaysia higher up in the ranking of favorite destinations for West Asian tourists.

West Asian tourists began to discover new experience in Malaysia as they were free to enjoy themselves within comfortable and familiar Muslim environment, he said.

Najib also said Malaysia was arranging for more flights to West Asian countries as part of the strategy to welcome more West Asian airlines to fly to Malaysia.

"We are encouraging training and re-training of manpower in the hospitality sector so that we can deliver a higher level of service to better facilitate tourists and visitors," he said.

Najib also hoped the Ain-Arabia area, built at a cost of RM1 million through the cooperation of the Ministry of Tourism and Kuala Lumpur City Hall, would become a unique attraction among West Asian tourists.

"I believe the existence of a special area incorporating unique features will meet the taste of Arabs visiting Malaysia.

"This will make them more comfortable while they are in Kuala Lumpur," he said.