MILF expresses optimism on success of peace efforts with govt

The Moro Islamic Liberation Front voiced optimism its peace efforts with the government will succeed, thanks in part to the Malaysian government's moderation approach. MILF chairman Al Haj Murad made the assessment in media interviews at Putra World Trade Centre in Kuala Lumpur, where a three-day seminar was held. “Indeed, the MILF is very optimistic that the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro will be a successful negotiated political solution given the strong commitment of both the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and MILF, the Malaysian government being the third-party facilitator and the overwhelming commitment of support from the international community and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC),” Murad said, according to an article posted on the MILF website. Murad was in Malaysia to attend the three-day "Malay Archipelago Seminar – Islam in Southeast Asia: Challenges and Hopes." At the event, Murad spoke on the topic “Islam in the Malay Archipelago: The New Rise of the Bangsamoro.” Last October, government and MILF representatives signed the framework agreement on the Bangsamoro political entity. The Bangsamoro aims to replace the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. Murad said the framework agreement will be mutually beneficial to the government and the Bangsamoro, adding “the facilitation of the Government of Malaysia significantly help both sides in realizing the Framework Agreement.” “The MILF, the Bangsamoro and even the Filipino people could not thank enough Malaysia for its role and contribution in the success of the GPH-MILF Peace Process,” he said. Murad noted that the Philippines was second to Japan as the most progressive country in Asia before the rise of the Bangsamoro struggle for freedom and self-determination during the 1960s. But the armed conflict and the emergence of the Bangsamoro liberation movement at that time had severely affected the country in many aspects – politically, economically, socially and even culturally, he said. “We are hopeful and optimistic that with the success of the (framework agreement), the entire country and the Bagsamoro will significantly benefit with its fruition in terms of peace and security, economics and, national solidarity and regional cooperation,” he said. Murad also said the framework agreement is not only an achievement of the MILF but a victory of the entire Bangsamoro. This includes the traditional leaders, political leaders, Moro National Liberation Front, MILF, and all sectors of the Bangsamoro, he added. “We learn a lot from the moderation approach of the Malaysia government and we significantly consider it in the establishment and administration of the Bangsamoro government, considering the nature of a pluralistic society in the Bangsamoro. “When we can fulfill the sought success of the framework agreement, then radicalization in the Bangsamoro will also be addressed,” Murad said. — LBG, GMA News