By Syakir Nizam
GOMBAK, 4 October 2018 – Malaysian youths, through the way they are driven, have become a role model as practising Muslims, Turkish Ambassador to Malaysia, Dr. Merve Safa Kavakçı said.
Admitting Malaysia is a great model of a country, she said it is peaceful and balanced which she has learned through her observation after almost one year staying here.
“After nine months’ stay in Kuala Lumpur as Ambassador, I am able to learn from the experiences of youth in Malaysia in a way I see, how they are driven and the way they practise Islam,” said Dr. Merve.
Asked about Turkey Youth on Refugees, she said they approached them not as refugees but as brothers and guests.
“If they (Syrian refugees) wanted to stay in Turkey, they are welcomed, but if they want to return, we (the Turkish Government) need to ensure the refugees’ safety,” she added.
She was speaking at an interview session with radio IIUM.fm, as she paid courtesy visit at the Kulliyyah of Islamic Revealed Knowledge and Human Sciences (KIRKHS) here after delivering her keynote speech at the International Conference on Religion, Culture and Governance in the Contemporary World (ICRSC2018) held at Senate Hall.
The visit was accompanied by the Dean of KIRKHS, Prof. Dr. Mohammad A. Quayum.
The visit to the university was her second after her recent appointment as IIUM’s Adjunct Professor in July for her experience in politics and foreign affairs.
Dr. Merve was one of prominent women figures in the Republic of Turkey. She started serving as Turkish Ambassador to Malaysia in mid July last year. ***