KUALA LUMPUR: MALAYSIA, as a progressive Islamic nation, will always emulate the spirit of Saiyidina Umar al-Khattab’s innovative administration as the basis for the country’s transformation and development agenda, says Datuk Seri Najib Razak.
The prime minister, in his Maal Hijrah message on his website, najibrazak.com, yesterday said the 1436 Hijrah must remind us of the implementation of the Islamic calendar by Umar, which was nothing short of an outstanding Islamic innovation.
“Being a progressive Islamic nation, Malaysia will always emulate the spirit of this historic event as a cord to the country’s transformation and development in a multiracial society.
“With the 1Malaysia concept in mind, we should instil this spirit into the country’s national transformation agenda.”
Najib said principles of acceptance, nationhood and social justice should also be the basis for the way Malaysians live.
He said that, guided by the Hijrah spirit, he had tabled the 2015 Budget, themed “The People’s Economy”, to strengthen the country’s economic capability while prioritising the people’s needs.
“Our hope is for Malaysia to continue to grow through the economic transformation programmes we have planned and implemented.
“Malaysia’s success in securing a non-permanent seat at the United Nations Security Council is proof of the world’s recognition of the government and Malaysians,” he said, adding this should also be seen as the world’s acceptance of the wasatiyyah (moderation) approach, which is based on Maqasid Syariah in the country’s administration.
Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said Muslims must always strive to better themselves in the areas of education, economics, social and technology, among others.
He said at present, Muslim countries faced all sorts of trials and tribulations.
“The uncertainty surrounding most Muslim countries, especially in the Middle East, where the threat of extremism exists, reminds us of the importance of our efforts to promote real Islam,” he said.
“Surely, we do not want the crisis in these countries to reach our shores.”
He said the government’s efforts to curb the spread of deviant teachings that threaten national safety was important in maintaining peace and harmony.
He added that the government would continue to stop the spread of deviant teachings, especially those that promote violence.
He said the actions of certain parties claiming to promote religious freedom and freedom of thought by spreading ideas that deviate from the teachings of Islam were the biggest threat to society.
“I believe Muslims equipped with the true knowledge of Islam will overcome these confusing thoughts. For Muslims today, the biggest Hijrah is the Hijrah from the lack of religious knowledge to enlightenment that is based on the teachings of our peaceful religion.”