The United States can learn a lot from the multi-religious and multi-ethnic country of Malaysia, says Janet Heinicke, a member of the Des Moines-based nonprofit Iowa Sister States.

We have much to learn from their ability to live in a diverse society," she said.

Heinicke was in Ames Friday for her group's third conference since 1999 on the topic of "Islam in America."

The overall goal of the conference was to build bridges of understanding between the three monotheistic faiths.

The day opened with a panel discussion offering views on faith from lay followers of Islam, Judaism and Christianity. Heinicke provided the view on Christianity.

The day continued with a question-and-answer session on Islamic prayers, an open observation of a Jummah prayer and multiple workshops, all with the goal of educating and helping attendees learn to overcome prejudice and intolerance, Heinicke said.

Heinicke oversees Iowa's partnership with Terengganu for Iowa Sister States, a group that seeks to improve Iowa's understanding of different cultures through partnerships with states around the world.

Terengganu is a state of about 1 million people located on the northeastern coast of Malaysia. With more than 90 percent of its population Malay, the area is socially conservative and deeply Islamic.

Iowa's partnership with Terengganu was formed in 1987 out of an agreement signed governor to governor. The agreement affirms the two states will work together for mutual understanding and mutual benefits, Heinicke said.

Friday's conference ended with a keynote address by the Ambassador of Malaysia, Rajmah Hussain. In her remarks, Hussain spoke about "Islam Hadhari," a concept that translates to "Civilizational Islam."

The concept, largely accepted and pushed by the Malaysian Prime Minister, seeks to bring Islam "back to the basics" described in the Quran and rediscover the foundation of Islamic civilization.

The concept emphasizes development, Hussain said, but has been "formulated to ensure that the implementation and approach do not cause any anxiety among any groups in Malaysia's multi-racial and multi-religious society."

The Malaysian experience can (be) a model for other countries to follow so that ... we can all be on track toward establishing peaceful coexistence between the different cultures and civilizations in the world," Hussain said.

William Dillon can be reached at 232-2161, Ext. 361, or William.Dillon@amestrib.com.