KUALA KANGSAR: Islamic country will never be achieved through militant movements and violence or through mere labelling of the religion on its name, said Sultan of Perak Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah.
"An Islamic country also would not be formed by labelling the Islamic word to the name of the country or by inserting the elements of Islam in the legal system and country’s constitution.
“The desire for a fair and equitable ruling has led to the establishment of various militant movements worldwide which aim to set up Daulah Islamiah or the Islamic state," he said.
Instead, Sultan Nazrin said an Islamic country could be realised when the government is capable of practising good deeds and rejecting the bad ones (amal makruh nahi mungkar); and the people live in unity and harmony.
"An islamic country will be realised when the citizens live peacefully, respectful towards one another and are united in upholding the souverignty of the nation and the law; free from corruption and abuse of power, (as well as when) the wealth is distributed fairly and there is no longer the poor," he said during the investiture ceremony held in conjunction with his 61th birthday at Istana Iskandariah here.
“An Islamic country will also emerge when the government and leaders embrace the noble traits of the Prophet Muhammad who had the spirit of serving, sacrificing, refusing to be given any privilege and had never put himself as more noble than others.
“Leaders who embrace the Islamic spirit would govern based on truth and justice,” Sultan Nazrin said adding they also must be of good character because this will have an effect on the people.
Sultan Nazrin also called on the youth to understand the history of the country’s formation since 60 years of independence so that they would continue to be guided to the right path.
Meanwhile, Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir in his expressing his gratitude to Sultan Nazrin said the state had also prospered in various sectors under the ruler and the leadership of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak.
"Perak made it to the Top 10 Must-visit region in 2017 while Ipoh was named as as the 6th most interesting place to visit in Asia by (the world's biggest tour guide publication) Lonely Planet.
"The state also recorded the highest arrival of domestic tourists for four consecutive years. A total of 15 out of the 20 municipal councils in Perak received a five-star rating, while Ipoh City Council was announced as the best local government (under the star-rating system by the Urban Wellbeing, Housing and Local Government Ministry)," he said in his speech.
A total of 331 people was listed as this year's state awards and medals recipients, with New Straits Times Group Editor Yushaimi Yahaya was among the 20 recipients of the Darjah Paduka Mahkota Perak (DPMP) which carries the title Datuk.