Spiritual, Islamic Aspects Important in National Transformation Process - Msian PM

KUALA LUMPUR, June 26 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak said the government has always emphasised the importance of spiritual aspects and Islam in the national transformation process. He said apart from transforming the country to become advanced and modern as well as a high income country, emphasis would also be made to protect the institution of Islam. "I do not see the process of national transformation solely from the angle of increasing income or the value of per capita income which is usually used as a measure of a country's development level. "But its success must be comprehensive and holistic, it must emphasize on the question of spiritual aspect and Islamic development itself and no less important are the roles of Islamic leaders and scholars," he said. The Prime Minister said this when launching of the Muslim Scholars Secretariat (UMUM) and a book entitled "The Agenda of Islam in National Transformation" here Monday. Najib said the government was committed to implementing the agenda of Islam in the national administration. He said any deviant aspects such as liberalism, pluralism and Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) would not have a place in the country. "What is important is that we take a firm and unwavering stand on the Islamic agenda and have clear objectives on the direction of the nation. "We are now on the right track to make the Islamic world proud by becoming a modern and advanced Islamic country by 2020," he said. Commenting on the book which is a collection of speeches and messages as well as 11 Islamic agendas by the Prime Minister in the past three years, Najib said it contained important decisions and promises of the government and the meaning of the Islamic agenda in the national administration. "The book is proof of the sincerity of the government in developing Islamic affairs. I delibrately presented this book in an easy to understand approach," he said. Najib also elaborated on the 11 agendas which refer to the government's mission order to empower Islam in line with its position as the religion of the federation. Earlier, Perak Mufti Dr Harussani Zakaria in his comments on the book, said his struggle for 45 years as a religious leader had been realised by the government. "Praise to Allah, the government has never marginalised the Islamic agenda in the development of the nation," he said. Dr Harussani said after reading the book, he was confident the government and the Prime Minister would seriously protect Islam in the country. Najib in his speech also said he was moved by confidence of the Perak Mufti on efforts of the government in championing Islam. "This is a deep gratification not only to the government but to me personally," he said. The Prime Minister also jokingly said the launching of the book did not mean the upcoming 13th general election was near. "We will hold the general election when the time comes, please be patient," he said. In his speech, Najib also said the action of an opposition party in asking its members to postpone their pilgrimage in anticipation of the election, showed the party placed party interest above Islam. "The Haj pilgrimage is one of the five pillars of Islam while voting is communal obligation, which is higher in the eyes of Allah and Islam...?" he said. At the ceremony, Najib also announced the promotion of Federal Territory Mufti Wan Zahidi Wan Teh to 'Jusa B'(one of the Premier Grade in Malaysian Civil Service) for his performance. -- BERNAMA