Founding of the OIC
The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), originally called the Organisation of the Islamic Conference, was established in 1969 at a summit in Rabat, Morocco. Its founding was triggered by an arson attack on the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem, which united Muslim-majority nations in defence of Islamic holy sites and the Palestinian cause. Malaysia was one of the founding members.
Malaysia's leading role
Malaysia's standing in the Muslim world was recognised early: Tunku Abdul Rahman, Malaysia's first Prime Minister, became the first Secretary-General of the OIC, serving from 1971 to 1973. Malaysia has used the OIC to:
- Strengthen solidarity and cooperation among Muslim nations.
- Champion the rights of the Palestinian people and the status of Jerusalem.
- Promote economic and educational cooperation, including support for the Islamic Development Bank, founded in 1975.
Malaysia as host
Malaysia hosted the 10th Islamic Summit Conference in 2003, held in Putrajaya, where it pressed for unity, moderation and development across the Muslim world. Institutions such as the International Islamic University Malaysia also reflect this commitment.
Key idea
Through the OIC, Malaysia promotes solidarity among Muslim nations and support for Palestine, while playing a leading role symbolised by Tunku Abdul Rahman's term as first Secretary-General.
Remember
- OIC founded in 1969 at Rabat after the Al-Aqsa Mosque attack.
- Malaysia was a founding member.
- Tunku Abdul Rahman was the first Secretary-General (1971–1973).
- Malaysia hosted the 10th Islamic Summit in Putrajaya, 2003.