SUBANG JAYA: Malaysia is hopeful the United States’ diplomatic mission here will help correct the misconception that those with Muslim names are likely to be terrorists, says Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
The Deputy Prime Minister said his name did not make him a terrorist.
“My name is Ahmad but I am not a terrorist. My parents chose Ahmad before Zahid as my name.
“I think it is a problem of interpretation. We appreciate that the US government has addressed this issue and its policy is loud and clear,” he told reporters after launching the 23rd FBI National Academy Associates (FBINAA) Asia Pacific Retraining conference yesterday.
He was asked to comment about a report by the Council on American-Islamic Relations, which revealed that more than 98% of entries on an FBI watch list are those with Muslim names.
“I believe US ambassador to Malaysia Brian Mcfeeters is here to address this adverse misconception.
“I believe it will be resolved in due course,” he said.
