Islamic University rebuffs U.S. terror charges

The President of the International Islamic University in Malaysia yesterday defended the institution after it became known that one of its students is sought by the United States.

"We have students from 97 countries at the university. We have students from Bosnia, Chechnya and Afghanistan yet the person who is alleged to be a terrorist is from the U.S.

If we follow the logic of the U.S. authorities, would this mean that the world is free from terrorists except the U.S? Would the U.S. authorities accept that? Why is this American national linked to Al Qaida? And he is only accused of having this link," Sanusi Junid told reporters at a press conference at the Malaysian Embassy.

He was referring to Ahmed Ibrahim Bilal, an American Muslim who is enrolled at the university and is accused by the U.S. of having links to Al Qaida.

He noted that Bilal was a humble man and was very sane and well-behaved.

Junid came to the UAE via Oman where he was on a promotional trip for the university. During the press conference he highlighted what the Internat-ional Islamic University has to offer.

"The university owns an international Islamic holding company whose profits are used to finance international students at the university. There are 15,000 students with 3,000 coming from countries other than Malaysia.

"The local students can be funded by the Malaysian government, while international students are eligible for the 'awkaf' (religious endowments) scholarships which are provided by the holding company," he explained.

Junid said the university encourages partnerships with international donors as the resulting profits are used for 'awkaf' scholarships.

"In Oman the university sealed a relationship with Sultan Qaboos University. We welcome similar relationships with other universities in the Middle East. We hope to highlight the existence of the university and to build solid partnerships."

According to Junid, the university receives donations from around the world, especially from the Arabs. He said the 'awkaf' scholarships are available by subject and are dependent on availability and space.

He added since the September 11 events last year, more students have joined the university. "All fields of study are available across our three campuses. This year we graduated the first batch of medical students. The languages of instruction are English and Arabic and we have tutors from 48 countries."

Junid urged Muslims to unite to stop the atrocities committed against them. He said the university is a model for education as Muslims need "common intellectual exposure."

Junid was in the Malaysian Cabinet for 25 years and served as the minister of agriculture.