Mahathir Mohammed, the former Prime Minister of Malaysia, stated that strong leadership is needed for the D-8 Economic Cooperation Organization to play an active role again.
"Unfortunately, after Erbakan's death, less focus was placed on the D-8. Mohammad, pointing out that D-8 gives the impression of an organization that is not active enough these days," Mohammed said.
Muhammed made evaluations about the past and present of the Organization in London, where he visited for a few days on the 26th anniversary of the D-8 organization, which was established on 15 June 1997 with the aim of "increasing the welfare and peace of the member nations" under the leadership of Prof. Dr. Necmettin Erbakan, founder of Milli Görüş Movement.
Explaining that Erbakan visited Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia, before establishing the D-8, Muhammed said that he explained the purpose of establishing the Organization.
"We thought it was a good idea too and decided to definitely join this grouping. Unfortunately, after Erbakan's death, less focus was placed on the D-8," Mohammed added.
“WE NEEDED ERBAKAN”
Mohammad pointed out that D-8 gives the impression of an organization that is not active enough these days.
"When the founder of the organization is not with us, his ideas cannot normally be adequately supported. We needed him (Erbakan). We needed him when he came up with the idea for this organization, but after his death the promotion of the idea was not as strong as it was when he was alive," Mohammed said.
He underlined the need for an effective country for the revival of the D-8.
"Every country that believes in peace and stability should contribute to the D-8," Mohammed added.