Oleh/By : DATO' SERI DR. MAHATHIR BIN MOHAMAD
Tempat/Venue : THE ISLAMIC CENTRE,
KUALA LUMPUR (K.L)
Tarikh/Date : 10/08/92
Tajuk/Title : THE OFFICIAL OPENING OF THE SIXTH
ISLAMIC ACADEMY OF SCIENCES
CONFERENCE ON ENVIRONMENT AND
DEVELOPMENT IN THE ISLAMIC WORLD
Bismillahir rahmanir rahim.
Assalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh.
It gives me great pleasure to welcome you to Malaysia.
Malaysia is indeed proud to be given the opportunity of
hosting this conference, and I feel honoured to address
such a distinguished group of Muslim scientists, planners
and decision-makers who are here to discuss major issues on
environment and development in the context of the Islamic
world. I wish to congratulate the Islamic Academy of Sci-
ences for organising this conference which is a fitting
follow-up to the Earth Summit that was held in Rio de
Janeiro, Brazil last June.
2. Environmental degradation and the need for economic
growth and sustainable development is a common concern of
all. It is a concern that should rightly transcend limited
and parochial interests as it affects present and future
generations. The Rio Summit highlighted this concern as
well as underscored the inter-relationship and interlinkages
between environment and development.
3. At Rio, while there was agreement on the common con-
cern, the rich industrialised countries unfortunately failed
to respond favourably to the developmental needs of the de-
veloping countries, which in fact included all the countries
of the Islamic world. Indeed they even failed to respond to
the environmental problems of their own countries. The rich
were preoccupied with population growth and management of
natural resources in the South, attributing the degradation
of the world's environment almost exclusively to these fac-
tors.
4. Admittedly, there exists significant differences be-
tween the developed and developing countries as to the pri-
orities. The rich North, obviously reluctant to curb its
profligate lifestyles, is merely concerned with extending
its control over natural resources, particularly resources
such as tropical forests, which are only to be found in the
South. The South mired and entrapped in poverty, urgently
requires economic growth and development, which are only
achievable if a supportive international economic system is
in place. Such a system requires vision and meaningful com-
mitment from the North to the democratisation of global
decision-making, and to make available the necessary re-
sources. If the Earth, in terms of the environment, is to
be regarded as a single entity, as a nation is considered a
single entity, then the wealth of the rich must be redis-
tributed equitably also among the poor. This is the
overiding principle that governs the nation as a unit. It
is not the poor begging from the rich. It is pure
inadulterated fairness and justice. For Muslims in partic-
ular, this concept of justice is familiar. Zakat and Fitrah
are not charity contributions but are religious obligations
in the interest of social justice in any human society.
5. During the Earth Summit, the leaders reiterated that
problems of the environment and development were global, re-
gional, as well as national in nature. Just as environ-
mental problems have transboundary implications, development
issues, particularly for developing countries, have trans-
boundary implications as well. Synthetic rubber, plastics,
glass fibres and numerous other substitutes for natural pro-
ducts, devised by the developed countries, all retard the
development and well-being of the people in the developing
countries. The need for continuing dialogue between rich
and poor, between North and South, is obvious. If the South
is to be effective in ensuring that the protection of the
environment will not result in retarding development, then
they must achieve solidarity and argue from a common stand-
point. The Islamic countries must play their part in
achieving this.
6. While North-South interaction and cooperation is cen-
tral to the prevention of global environmental degradation
and the need for sustained economic growth, the South must
not ignore the many opportunities available to also enhance
South-South cooperation. This Conference, in itself, is a
tangible manifestation of South-South cooperation. We have
much to gain by learning and working together on these im-
portant matters.
7. The scientists of the Islamic world have much to con-
tribute towards South-South cooperation in the field of en-
vironment and development. Through intensified interaction
among themselves, they can project a model of the kind of
cooperation that can be emulated by all the countries of the
South. There should be closer collaboration among the sci-
entists in such areas as climate change and biological di-
versity. Your research findings and technical data will
also serve to strengthen the bases of our negotiators as
they negotiate the various environment-related conventions
and protocols. Sound and verifiable data are crucial if the
South is to safeguard its interests in multilateral negoti-
ations.
8. Science and technology have a critical role to play in
the global endeavour to protect the environment and to pro-
mote sustainable development. Through science and technol-
ogy, our understanding of issues relating to the ecology,
economics and society has become more matured, providing us
with the bases for making choices in the direction of envi-
ronmentally acceptable development. In this regard, schol-
ars, scientists and researchers in the Muslim world must not
lag behind if they wish to help the Ummah expand and consol-
idate their scientific and technological base, particularly
in the vital area of research and development. Islamic
countries, in many instances very richly endowed, must im-
prove their educational and scientific research facilities
so as to ensure the capacity of the Ummah to keep up with
scientific and technological advancements and to improve on
them.
9. In order to accelerate this process and indeed to make
the quantum leap that is necessary to improve the quality of
life of the Ummah, Muslim scientists must accumulate as much
knowledge as possible so as to enable them to develop envi-
ronmentally sound and appropriate technology. What is suit-
able for developed countries may not be suitable for
developing countries. It is up to the scientists in devel-
oping countries to devise and modify the technologies of the
developed countries to suit the needs of the developing
countries.
10. We are aware that although the basic infrastructure of
science and technology is available in many Islamic coun-
tries, it is neither large enough nor strong enough to cope
with the rapid development in this field that is taking
place worldwide. The importance of a strong and sound base
of science and technology cannot be over-emphasised. The
base underpins our efforts to solve the problems of food,
defence, security, shelter, fuel and energy, health and pol-
lution, exploitation of mineral resources and the enhance-
ment of agricultural and industrial production.
11. Malaysia has recognised the need to develop our techno-
logical capabilities in our quest for the status of a fully
developed nation by the year 2020. Indeed, acquisition of
such capabilities represents one of the key strategies under
the Second Outline Perspective Plan and the Sixth Malaysia
Plan.
12. To be a developed nation does not mean merely achieving
the same GNP per capita of the rich countries. This is im-
portant of course because national poverty tends to under-
mine independence. But equally important is the acquisition
of knowledge that can contribute towards national security
and scientific and technological independence. Without
these we will always be supplicants, dependent on the char-
ity of others.
13. But it must be clear that true independence should not
lead to the kind of arrogance that results in rash actions
and acquisitiveness. As much as we value independence, we
must respect the independence of others. Thus being devel-
oped must include the practice of good moral values within
society and between societies and nations.
14. Muslim scientists must always remember and adhere to
good moral values. Their knowledge should be for the good
of the Ummah in general. The Ummah with the help of Muslim
scientists must project to the world the true meaning of hu-
man civilisation and progress for it is enjoined upon
Muslims to acquire knowledge not for evil but for the good
of mankind. Certainly the protection of the environment
would constitute the application of knowledge for the good
of mankind.
15. Fellows of the Islamic Academy of Sciences have a sig-
nificant role to play in promoting the development of sci-
ence and technology in the Islamic world. As scientists in
the Islamic world, you have a catalytic role in promoting
growth and progress of the Islamic world in particular and
the rest of the world in general. Individuals as well as
Non-Governmental Organisations similarly have their own part
in this collective exercise to safeguard the environment
while promoting sustained economic growth. The Islamic
Academy of Sciences, as a NGO, has a valuable contribution
to make, particularly through the morally sound application
of science and technology.
16. Islam is a progressive religion. There are no inj-
unctions against the acquisition of knowldege as long as it
is not intended for evil. I believe that the many chal-
lenges and difficulties that we face can be overcome if we
adhere closely to the true teachings of Islam. It was the
adherence to the true teachings that led to the Golden Age
of Islam. It was during this Age that the various branches
of science flourished as a result of the work of Muslim sci-
entists. But when superstition and narrow interpretations
of the teachings took over, the glorious Age faded. For as
long as we submit to this kind of interpretation, for so
long will we be subservient to others.
17. It is my earnest hope that your deliberations in this
Conference will result in a better understanding of the
problems and issues facing the Muslims scientists in this
age, when in addition to their role of uplifting the Muslim
Ummah, they have also to contend with the need of developing
in a constantly restrictive environmental regime.
18. I wish you success in your deliberations and a pleasant
stay in Malaysia.
Wabillahitaufik walhidayah wassalamualaikum
warahmatullahi wabarakatuh.
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