Obama's visit to mosque sends a powerful message

President Barack Obama paid the National Mosque a visit today as part of his three-day itinerary in Kuala Lumpur.

According to political analyst James Chin, Obama’s visit to the mosque sends a powerful message to the world that the United States is not an enemy of Islam.

“Many people see the war on terror in Muslim countries as a war on Islam. So he needs to send the message that America is not against the religion.

“By visiting the mosque, he is sending a powerful and symbolic message that America does not have a problem with Islam. But they have a problem with Islamic terrorists,” said the analyst from Monash University.

He added that Obama’s visit to Malaysia is part of his administration’s push to strengthen ties with strategically important countries in the region.

“I think the trip to Malaysia will cover the political, trade and military links America has with Malaysia. But I think the most important thing is because Malaysia is playing an increasing role in ASEAN.

Malaysia is also seen as playing a bigger role in terms of engagement with the international Muslim community.

“They want to promote Malaysia’s brand of moderate Islam to the Muslim community,” Chin added.

Obama arrived at the National Mosque at 9.45am and was welcomed by Imam Besar Tan Sri Syaikh Ismail Muhammad.

The president's entourage comprised the US special envoy to the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Rashad Hussain while Syaikh Ismail was joined by Masjid Negara PR officer Rashyid Mohd Isa.