KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 24: US goodwill envoy Karen Hughes said on Monday that the power-sharing government in Malaysia, which includes representation from minority ethnic groups, is an ‘outstanding’ model for Iraq.

“Malaysia has such an outstanding model of power-sharing. Throughout your history the majority have shared power with others, with minorities and other groups in the country,” she told reporters at the end of a two-day visit.

Malaysia’s ruling National Front coalition is led by a party representing the country’s majority ethnic Malays, but minority Chinese and Indian parties also hold cabinet positions and parliamentary seats.

“We think it’s a particularly important example for Iraq right now as as Iraq seeks to establish its own government and seeks to have different factions within its own country work together in a united way,” said Hughes.

Karen Hughes, a confidante of President George Bush, has been touring Muslim countries as part of efforts to improve the image of the United States.

She also met Deputy Prime Minister Najib Razak to discuss counter-terrorism measures and hailed the government’s ‘Islam Hadhari’ concept which emphasizes moderation, and economic and scientific progress.

“I mentioned what a powerful example I think the prime minister’s Islam Hadhari is for the world in sending a message of tolerance and education and inclusion and participation for women,” she said.

“We talked about how Malaysia might participate in spreading that message of tolerance and inter-faith respect and understanding around the world.”

Ms Hughes said Malaysia was willing to join the United States in explaining its approach at an international level.

“Malaysia will be willing to participate in international conferences, to have officials join us in helping to talk about those values we share as a civilized people,” she said.—AFP