PUTRAJAYA: The combination of wala’ (loyalty), wasatiyyah (moderation) and tabayyun (seeking the truth) should be the core fundamentals in governing a country.
In saying this, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak added that this would ensure a perfect equilibrium among leaders and the people.
“The harmonisation of these three principles must be understood, interpreted, applied and implemented.
“This is important for a nation which craves for progress and ultimate success in line with true interpretation of Islam,” he said during the launch of the International Wasatiyyah Seminar 2017 today.
He said as the head of government, he is open to constructive views and criticisms.
“However these criticisms should not be slanderous or purposely aimed to disgrace the good name of leaders,” he added.
Malaysia, Najib said, has been balanced, moderate, fair and equitable and not dictatorial, which could lead to extreme ideologies.
“This is what is happening in the world where Muslims are mired with the wrong interpretation of jihad (struggles).
“One example is the Islamic State (IS) who acts out of democracy, attempting to overturn a government which was chosen by the people,” he added.
Najib said that was the reason why the people should hold on to the wala and wasatiyyah principles as outlined in Islam, preventing them from deviating and becoming liberal.
Also present at the event was Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Jamil Khir Baharom and Wasatiyyah Institute Malaysia chairman Tan Sri Dr Abdullah Md Zinedine.