B
BB-Leo
Guest
Muslims’ future Politicians in ’Canberra’
http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,21123902-2862,00.html
Muslims turn to politics
January 27, 2007 12:00am
VICTORIAN Muslims are mobilizing to gain a foothold in Canberra, with up to seven Islamic candidates thinking of standing at this year's federal poll.
Members of Victoria's 180,000-strong Muslim population want to elect the first Islamic MPs to Federal Parliament to challenge what some believe have been anti-Islamic policies and divisive treatment of their community.
Melbourne-based political advocacy group Australian Muslim Vision has been identifying and encouraging candidates to stand for parliament.
Islamic businesses and individuals will finance campaigns while mosques will be asked to get behind those who run.
"You have to put your money where your mouth is," one potential Islamic candidate said of the bid for Muslim politicians.
One Victorian Islamic leader, Yasser Soliman, is considering running for the Senate, but says it is important to represent the entire electorate, not just Muslims.
Another six Melbourne Muslims -- described as "intellectuals with moderate religious views" -- are also weighing up a tilt at Federal Parliament.
At least one is a Liberal Party member considering nomination, another is aligned with the Labor Party and others are looking at standing as Greens or independents.
"It would be hard to say they (Muslims) aren't under-represented at
The moment," Mr. Soliman said.
Formerly a member of Prime Minister John Howard's Muslim Reference Group Committee, he said many politicians were actively driving a wedge between Islam and the rest of the Australian community.
"For some (Muslims) they are hearing the message of 'assimilate' in a way that forces a lot of already productive migrants and fellow Australians to be seen in a way that is quite demeaning and dangerous," Mr. Soliman said.
Although about a dozen Muslims are local councilors and State Parliament has three Muslim MPs, Federal Parliament boasts no Islamic members.
One potential candidate is Melbourne University agricultural scientist Dr Berhan Ahmed. Dr Ahmed, of Eritrean background, said it was crucial Muslims were in national politics because most of the contentious issues affecting them -- from citizenship to security -- were handled federally.
"Unfortunately at this stage, not only for Muslims but in general terms, the parliament is overall Anglo-Saxon," he said.
"But this is a country of diversity. We need to reflect the colors of the community."
Prominent businessman John Ilhan, of Crazy John's, has previously been approached by both Liberal and Labor parties, but said he had no desire to enter politics for now.
But Mr. Ilhan encouraged fellow Muslims who chose to run for public office to focus on Australian values and not "stand out from the circle".
Islamic Council of Victoria board member Waleed Aly said he had been asked by fellow Muslims to stand for office but had declined, adding he could not foresee many Islamic candidates being successful.
"I don't see it as a concerted campaign to the extent that people are talking about it," he said.
http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,21123902-2862,00.html
Muslims turn to politics
January 27, 2007 12:00am
VICTORIAN Muslims are mobilizing to gain a foothold in Canberra, with up to seven Islamic candidates thinking of standing at this year's federal poll.
Members of Victoria's 180,000-strong Muslim population want to elect the first Islamic MPs to Federal Parliament to challenge what some believe have been anti-Islamic policies and divisive treatment of their community.
Melbourne-based political advocacy group Australian Muslim Vision has been identifying and encouraging candidates to stand for parliament.
Islamic businesses and individuals will finance campaigns while mosques will be asked to get behind those who run.
"You have to put your money where your mouth is," one potential Islamic candidate said of the bid for Muslim politicians.
One Victorian Islamic leader, Yasser Soliman, is considering running for the Senate, but says it is important to represent the entire electorate, not just Muslims.
Another six Melbourne Muslims -- described as "intellectuals with moderate religious views" -- are also weighing up a tilt at Federal Parliament.
At least one is a Liberal Party member considering nomination, another is aligned with the Labor Party and others are looking at standing as Greens or independents.
"It would be hard to say they (Muslims) aren't under-represented at
The moment," Mr. Soliman said.
Formerly a member of Prime Minister John Howard's Muslim Reference Group Committee, he said many politicians were actively driving a wedge between Islam and the rest of the Australian community.
"For some (Muslims) they are hearing the message of 'assimilate' in a way that forces a lot of already productive migrants and fellow Australians to be seen in a way that is quite demeaning and dangerous," Mr. Soliman said.
Although about a dozen Muslims are local councilors and State Parliament has three Muslim MPs, Federal Parliament boasts no Islamic members.
One potential candidate is Melbourne University agricultural scientist Dr Berhan Ahmed. Dr Ahmed, of Eritrean background, said it was crucial Muslims were in national politics because most of the contentious issues affecting them -- from citizenship to security -- were handled federally.
"Unfortunately at this stage, not only for Muslims but in general terms, the parliament is overall Anglo-Saxon," he said.
"But this is a country of diversity. We need to reflect the colors of the community."
Prominent businessman John Ilhan, of Crazy John's, has previously been approached by both Liberal and Labor parties, but said he had no desire to enter politics for now.
But Mr. Ilhan encouraged fellow Muslims who chose to run for public office to focus on Australian values and not "stand out from the circle".
Islamic Council of Victoria board member Waleed Aly said he had been asked by fellow Muslims to stand for office but had declined, adding he could not foresee many Islamic candidates being successful.
"I don't see it as a concerted campaign to the extent that people are talking about it," he said.