I certainly hope Australia does not become France, building mosques and the like......
Australia a Muslim nation: advisor
Sunday Herald Sun ^ | 8 October 2006
news.com.au
AUSTRALIA is a Muslim nation, the head of Prime Minister John Howard's Muslim advisory board says.
Dr Ameer Ali says most Australians practise Muslim values but the Muslim community is being alienated and disadvantaged by Islamophobia.
Dr Ali said multiculturalism was Australia's destiny but Muslims, as latecomers, were being disadvantaged.
"We would like to remain in this country as citizens like anybody else, but with cultural individuality preserved," he said.
"We want an Australia which is like a fruit salad with a nice juice in it, not a mega fruit juice."
Before addressing a conference on national identity today, Dr Ali said Muslim values were practised in Australia.
"When I go abroad, they ask me where do I come from? I say I come from a Muslim country," he said.
"Which country, they say. Australia.
"That's not a Muslim country. Yes it's Muslim country.
"For the value that my religion preaches, these people practise.
"So I see Islam here but (the people) may not be Muslims, but in (other) countries I see Muslims but not Islam.
"So when I come back to Australia, I've been told to respect Australian values and now I am confused, because I see no contradiction at all.
"Values are universal. Human values - there is no such thing
(Excerpt) Read more at news.com.au .... |
