CONGRESS OF DEMOCRATS FROM THE ISLAMIC WORLD

Rep. Lala Taliño-Santos recently attended the Congress of Democrats from the Islamic World held at Jakarta, Indonesia that ran from  September 6 – 9.2005. Political Party officers from predominantly Muslim countries such as Malaysia, Indonesia, Bahrain were present as well from Turkey, Morocco, Singapore, Thailand and the Philippines. The conference was jointly sponsored by the National Democratic Institute for International Affairs (NDI), Konrad Adenaur Stiftung (KAS), and the Netherlands Institute for Multi-Party Democracy (IMD).

Part of the success  of the conference was in developing networks among different parties, and gaining a better understanding of the compatibility of Islam and the democratic processes. For the Nacionalistas, a joint program with the Malaysian party, UMNO, is in the works. The Congress of Democrats from the Islamic World first met in Islamabad last year, and may be convened in Morocco next year.

She gives some insights in the following interview:

Do you think Islam and Democracy are compatible?
In some ways, yes. Specially in my area, North Cotabato where 20% of the population are Muslims, the national government provided the ARMM as a structure and as a process where their culture and ways of life can be protected and promoted. However, they rejected being part of the ARMM in the last 2002 elections. Nevertheless, the Muslims and indigenous people (IPs) have a chance now and are not second-class citizens.  It is high time that they get to be better educated, instead of relying on dole-outs to give them something sustainable. Lastly, all of us should have a better understanding of what is Islam, the roots of the MNLF, and the culture of the IPs, who were the first settlers.

What struck you in the Jakarta conference?
The emphasis on culture as a means for solution-making. It is necessary for us public officials in Central Mindanao to study the history of the conflict in the area . Activities such as cattle rustling, which may be a practice  was not fully understood because at the start, the conflict did not revolve around ownership of land. Apparently, there is wealth in war among the different players in the area who exploit the conflict for their own vested interests.

How can other countries with Muslim Majorities help us?
Sharing opportunities, which otherwise will not be available to ordinary Muslim is a start. South East Asian Muslims can also begin sharing learnings in how they dealt with common issues. However, we  have to be cautious with the countries who express interest in helping Mindanao, because  Mindanao is rich in many resources.