Press Release: Muhammad Iqbal, 3 May 1997

KUALA LUMPUR: Iqbal scholars and enthusiasists from various part of the world will gather here this June to celebrate his genius and discuss his relevance to the comtemporary order.

The three-day "International Conference on Muhammad Iqbal and the Asian Renaissance", organised by Institut Kajian Dasar (IKD), will be opened on June 3 by Deputy Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

Speakers who have comfirmed their pasticipation include three form the United States, three from Pakistan, two from China, and one each from Philippines, Indonesia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Belgium, Russia and Canada. More are expected to comfirm in the days ahead.

Among the Pakistan participants is Senator Dr Javid Iqbal, the poet's and a former supreme court judge.

At least three Malaysians will present papers. Dr Chandra Muzaffar, Director of the Centre for Civilizational Dialogue, will discuss Iqbal's call for reform in the Muslim world. The Deputy Vice Chancellor of University Malaya, Professor Osman Bakar, will present paper entitled "Iqbal and the Renaissance in Asia". IKD fellow Dr Azizan Baharuddin will speak on the intriguing subject of Iqbal's mysticism, focussing on his reconciliation on science and religion.

On the night of June 4, there will be a theatrical rendition of the maestro's poetry, directed by Normah Nordin.

The conference will be second in IKD's Asian Renaissance series, which kicked off in October 1995 with a well-attended celebration of the life and works of Philippine national hero Jose Rizal.

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