14 February 2013

Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Condemns NZ First MP Richard Prosser's Anti-Muslim Comments

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community condemns the NZ First MP Richard Prosser’s comments in which he suggested young Muslim men from "Wogistan" should be banned from flying on Western airlines.

The community was shocked by comments from a New Zealand Member of Parliament which was clearly a calculated and thought through article written for the Investigate magazine. However, the community applauds the reactions of New Zealand public which shows maturity and commitment of our fellow countrymen who do not stand by such nonsense and is appreciative of how diversity and integration leads to a peaceful and progressive society.

The National President of the Community, Mr. Mohammed Iqbal said “New Zealand is world renowned for its strong stance on equality, protection of human rights and champion of diversity and integration irrespective of race, colour, creed, religion or belief. We owe loyalty to our country and have an obligation to work together to keep the New Zealand peaceful and free from such racist comments that gives our country bad publicity and international attention that affects our image and reputation.”

Mr. Mohammed Iqbal was also critical of the absence of sensible journalism and leveled equal blame on the Editor of Investigate magazine for allowing such an inflammatory article to be published. “As a country, our ability to exercise our freedom of expression and speech has been put to test here and whether we are exercising these values responsibly. Sensible journalism has to prevail but they must exercise good judgment. Sadly, the country has been put to shame by just an ignorant few who do not know the true value of pristine Islam” said Mr. Iqbal.

The Community President has asked Muslims to restrain their emotions and pray to Allah for patience and steadfastness by obliging to the practices of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) on how to handle such situations.

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community extends an open invitation to MP Richard Prosser’s to enter into a meaningful dialogue on Islam which will help him to better understand the true values of Islam.

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community is a religious organisation, international in its scope. It is acknowledged worldwide for its sincere efforts to promote peace.

ENDS

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Scoop Business: Bathurst Gets Nod For DoC Access To Denniston Mine

Conservation Minister Nick Smith has approved access over conservation estate land for Bathurst Resources to develop an open cast coal mine on the Denniston Plateau, above Westport, to the dismay of environmental opponents.

The timing for Smith’s move avoids Bathurst having to resubmit applications for access agreements under the revised Crown Minerals Act, which comes into force tomorrow and would have required public consultation.

The announcement lands in the middle of delicate negotiations between the company, environmental groups and other interested parties that could pave the way to a broader agreement on the Escarpment proposal, whose resource consents are still subject to court appeals. More>>