Substance: tap region’s potential to grow
economically and socially, says Najib
Southeast Asia can be a catalyst for an
Islamic renaissance to inspire independence among Muslim communities to face
the current economic challenges.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said
yesterday that such as a huge potential in reviving the glory of Islam must be
tapped and the term “Islamic revivalism” must be all-encompassing and holistic
concerning global demands.
“Islamic revivalism should not be confined
only to issues and matters but substance as well.
“(In other words) Islamisation should not
be about appearance only but include, among others, economic development,
conservation of syariah laws, political distinction and better regional
cooperation,” he said in his speech at the opening of a three-day seminar here
on “Islam in southeast Asia: challenges and hope”.
His speech was read by minister in the
prime minister’s department Datuk Seri Jamil Khir Baharom.
Najib said Southeast Asia could create
“knowledge-triumphant” society among Muslim communities so that they could
compete globally by employing the amalgamation of religious and other
knowledge.
Scholars, historians and geo-strategist
experts have recognised that the Islamic values in Southeast Asia differed
vastly from other Islamic worlds, he said, adding that moderating in Islam was
appealing and acceptable in the region.
As of now, the combined gross domestic
product among Asean countries has peaked at US$1.2 trillion (RM3.6 trillion).
“With a population of 600 million among
Asean members, Muslims make up significantly the number. But we should not be
(too) sentimental and melancholic of the great Islamic achievements in the
past, without looking at the challenge ahead.
“in the Malaysian context, efforts and
economic planning that have been implemented by the government is currently on
the right track.”
He said that the economic, social,
political and governmental transformation was taking place in a conducive
atmosphere.
“Social and economic developments are being
done correlatively. The potential of the younger generation is being harnessed
for future opportunities, development and self-growth.
“Women’s role is being expanded. Tithes and
other social institutions are being streamlined and Islamic banking is held
upon a pedestal” said Najib.
In the context of Southeast Asia, Najib said
there were still a number of matters that needed to be resolved and improved
upon.
Najib said there was a need to reassert the
right perspective of the region from the point of view of outsiders, to avoid a
perception that it was riddled with poverty, civil wars and political issues.
“This is the time when we sit together and
find new ideas, devise new programmes that can be explored by Malay-Muslims in Southeast
Asia. We can never ignore what is taking place in the region.
“However, it must be done through proper
political and diplomatic channels. It is not our way to interfere in the
internal matters of country. But in certain matters and issues, we will voice
it on the right platform.”
SOURCE: NST JAN 20,2013 by SYED UMAR ARIFF
KL
