KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak says political revolution alone will not bring the desired result.
“Political revolution must be accompanied by revolution in social and mindset. We must build strong institutions and emphasise noble values ??and practices that can protect the political system,” he said when opening the ‘Fiqh Mentaati Pemimpin’ International Seminar at Putra World Trade Centre Friday night.
He said the political revolution in Tunisia, Egypt, Libya and Yemen and the civil uprising in Syria and Bahrain would not correct the perception of the western world towards Islam, in particular in finding a cure for Islamophobia.
“Ironically, those who boasted that the political revolution in the Arab world was a new political renaissance have begun to accept the reality that political revolution alone will not bring the desired result.”
Instead, the prime minister said the situation in the Middle East allowed other people to have a worse perspective on Islam.
Since Dec 2010 until now, not much change could be seen in the Middle East with the economy still in disarray while the people faced difficulties.
The emphasis should be on ‘wasatiyyah’ (moderation) in presenting views, avoid extremism and put the interests of the people above political interests.
Najib said the good ties betwen leaders and the people must be nurtured with good manners while the people’s views should be heard.
“Idealism, vision and mission of a leader should also be the basis and guidance in making the right decision. Leaders and the people are interdependent.”
He said the quality of Muslim leadership is viewed by the ability to fulfill the responsibility entrusted.
“Leaders must be open, ready to receive criticism and advice,” he added.
External panel members who will present papers at the seminar include the imam of Masjidilharam in Mecca, Sheikh Maher al-Mueaqly and Dean of the Faculty of Shariah of al-Bayt University, Jordan, Sheikh Dr Mohamed Ali Alzhhool.– BERNAMA