Malaysia would make efforts to promote the image of Islam as a religion that advocates peace and fights terrorism, Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said on Thursday.

The image of Islam had been tarnished since the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks in New York and further smeared by following terrorist acts, including the latest bombings in London on July 7, Badawi said in his keynote speech at the 56th General Assembly of the ruling United Malays National Organization (UMNO).

Badawi, who was also UMNO President, noted that he had three missions to accomplish under the international situation, according to reports of Bernama news agency.

First, the international community, especially the major powers in the world, should be enlightened on the core issues that led to terrorism, among them were the policies of the super power toward Palestine and Iraq.

Second, as chairman of the Organization of Islamic Conference ( OIC), Malaysia should take the responsibility to explain to the international community that Islam was a religion of peace and it opposed terrorism.

Third, Badawi said he, as Prime Minister of Malaysia, was duty- bound to show to the world that Malaysia was a modern Islamic country and could be trusted as a trade partner and a safe place to invest and visit.

Malaysia, as a standard bearer of moderate Islam, must make sure that it would never become a breeding ground of Muslim extremists, Badawi stressed.

About 2,500 party members attend the three-day assembly, which is the last general assembly for UMNO during the Eighth Malaysia Plan (from 2001 to 2005).

UMNO leads the party coalition National Front, which has been ruling Malaysia since its independence in 1957.

Source: Xinhua