Pointing out that the Muslims, their religion and their countries are in a state of crisis, Mahathir Mohammed said: "Everywhere we see Muslim countries being destroyed, their citizens forced to flee their countries, forced to seek refuge in non-Muslim countries. Many thousands die during their fight and many more were refused asylum.
"On the other hand, we see Muslims perpetrating violent acts, killing innocent victims, men, women, children, the sick and the incapacitated. They have done this because their own countries are unable to provide security for them or do anything to retake the land that has been seized by others. Frustrated and angry, they react violently without in any way achieving their objectives," Mohammed stated and adding that they seek revenge but all they succeed in doing is to bring into disrepute their own religion of Islam.
Noting that the Muslims need to know how this fear is generated, whether it is true or mere propaganda of our detractors or a combination of both, Mohammed said: "Then we have to deal with fratricidal wars, civil wars, failed Governments and many other catastrophes that have plagued the Muslim Ummah and Islam without any serious effort being made to end or reduce them or to rehabilitate the religion. Yes, Islam, the Muslims and their countries are in a state of crisis, helpless and unworthy of this great religion which is meant to be good for mankind."
About the reasons that the Summit Meeting is organized, Mohammed said." At the very least, through our discussion, we may find what went wrong. We may even find solutions, if not to end these catastrophes at least to awaken the Islamic world, the Ummah of the need to recognise the problems and their causes. Understanding the problems and their causes may enlighten us on the way to overcome or mitigate the disasters that have befallen the Ummah." (ILKHA)